Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 6th August 2024

Answers

By Dongyun Kwon

Nine people across the Outer East are on the Victoria Police’s and Australian Federal Police’s missing persons lists.

The first week of August is the National Missing Persons Week (NMPW) and it took place from 28 July to 3 August this year.

It serves as a reminder to all Australians that anyone can experience the anguish and hurt of a missing loved one.

About 50,000 missing persons reports are made to police every year, and about 2500 people remain missing long-term.

Australian Federal Police Commander Forensics Joanne Cameron said this year’s NMPW

theme shined a spotlight on the commitment of police across all states and territories to follow every lead.

“The Always Searching campaign is an important reminder to members of the public to report any information to the police because no matter how small the detail may be, it could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings peace to the family of a missing person,” Commander Cameron said.

“With the important ongoing conversation and public focus on combating violence against women, the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre has chosen these cases to remind the public that the police are committed to following

Prep students have recently celebrated a milestone in their schooling journey, having hit the 100-day mark.

Streamers, costumes, time with buddies and awards for their achievements were the order of the day at Yarra Junction Primary School.

Healesville Primary School students burst into song with a performance for their families who came along to an assembly while they also dressed up, already ’feeling old’ after completely 100 days of school.

“It was fabulous to see them enjoy their accomplishments of being at school for 100 days and to celebrate all of their successes,” Healesville Primary School Prep teacher Esther O’Halloran said.

“They get excited for the celebration and we have talked about what they’ve learned and what they’ve achieved since they’ve been here,” Yarra Junction Primary School Prep teacher Tania Scott said.

Turn to page 14 for more

every lead to bring justice for the families of missing loved ones.

“Police from around Australia work tirelessly to resolve these cases and find missing people. I encourage anyone who may have information about a missing person to share it via Crime Stoppers, either on their website www.crimestoppers. com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. This can be anonymous.”

Leave A Light On is a community organisation which raises awareness of all long-term missing persons in Australia.

Leave A Light On co-founder and Mount Evelyn resident Suzie Ratcliffe said it is important to keep the missing persons in the public eye.

“Someone may have information and no matter how insignificant they feel, it may be the crucial piece of evidence or information that the police need to be able to tie all the other information they have together to be able to either locate a missing person or to at least bring justice for their family,” she said.

“Each and every single missing person in Australia is important, no matter their age, race, religion and ethnicity.”

Healesville: Warren Gerrard Meyer, Tej Chitnis and Suzanne Lawrance

Warren Gerrard Meyer is a 180cm tall Canadian who was born in 1950.

Continued page 5

Yarra Junction Primary School students celebrated their 100th day with costumes. (Callum Ludwig: 423275)

NEWS Ways to end elder abuse

By Callum Ludwig

A recently released independent evaluation, conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), of the National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians 2019-2023 has deemed the program a success so far.

But it’s only a start, with the issue still a priority as Attorney General Mark Dreyfus launched a National Elder Abuse Awareness campaign on Sunday 28 July.

Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is a driving force in preventing elder abuse in the Outer East and Director of Legal Services and Principal Lawyer at ECLC Belinda Lo said they have been very concerned about the occurrence of elder abuse for many years.

“Apart from our Elder Abuse Response Programs, (ELSA and ROSE), ECLC has worked to advocate against elder abuse for decades, including working in primary prevention work to combat ageism - a driver of elder abuse,” she said.

“ECLC also convenes the Eastern Elder Abuse Network - a network of over 60 organisations in the region who work together to find ways to support people who are experiencing elder abuse.”

ELSA (Engaging and Living Safely and Autonomously) is a coordinated program with Eastern Health while ROSE (Rights of Seniors in the East) is a Specialist Elder Abuse Unit in partnership with Oonah Belonging Place.

The evaluation report highlighted the value of ECLC’s programs creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for victim-survivors of elder abuse and the community, reducing the coordination required on behalf of older people, making the process of seeking legal advice less intimidating and providing support from social workers and specialist staff to assist during the process.

Areas of improvement included incorporating education for perpetrators and improving practice, such as how staff can better support clients with ‘declining cognitive health.’

Ms Lo said ELSA and ROSE were funded to support people experiencing elder abuse by pro-

Elder abuse remains a key focus of the government, health and legal sectors. (File)

viding holistic, wrap-around services comprising diverse professionals such as financial counsellors, elder abuse advocates and community lawyers.

“ECLC is pleased the evaluation found that both programs have achieved their goals to the highest level possible and support the adaptation of the ELSA and ROSE models to other geographical locations and their continued expansion,” she said.

“The method is trauma-informed and clientcentred, clients have reported that they appreciate the model and that the services were tailored to them as individuals as opposed to having to wait for referrals and then navigate the service system themselves.

“This approach over time has led to a number of successful outcomes that are outlined in the report.”

RMIT University’s Social and Global Studies Centre partnered with the National Ageing Research Institute and La Trobe University to deliver the mid-term and final evaluations of ECLC’s elder abuse programs.

Ms Lo said people experiencing elder abuse often find themselves in what the independent evaluation refers to as the ‘impossible predicament.’

“That’s when an older person feels that they cannot continue withstanding the abuse, and at the same time are unable to see a viable option to

stop the abuse from continuing,” she said.

“This can be due a range of factors including the need to maintain family relationships, a sense of shame, risks to their safety and limitations within the service system and the broader legal and policy environment which provide few options for people experiencing elder abuse.

“Whilst the evaluation found that the ROSE and ELSA programs have performed exceptionally well to achieve outcomes for survivors of elder abuse in such situations, being able to truly champion the success of programs such as these requires an understanding of the nuance of people’s lived experience.”

Examples included in the final evaluation reports of ROSE and ELSA told stories of two different clients who accessed ECLC’s services and experienced benefits, including 72-year-old single parent Andrea was facing threatening behaviour from her son Don who lived with her and his friends but was worried about Don and did not want him to be homeless. With assistance from ELSA, Andrea was able to call a lawyer, draft a letter about her feelings to give to Don and organise help to maintain the property. Don’s behaviour changed for the better and he moved into a sharehouse and their relationship improved as a result.

Ms Lo said common behaviours of people who perpetrate elder abuse include manipulation, controlling finances, trying to isolate the older person, coercion (pressuring them to do things) and intimidation.

“ECLC’s programs have noted that these behaviours have manifested in financial abuse (controlling an older person’s finances without their free consent, and often to the benefit of the perpetrator, not the older person), psychological abuse and physical abuse (assault, restraint, neglect),” she said.

“Signs to look out for include unexplained and unusual changes in an older person’s behaviour; fearfulness, unexplained financial transactions or the older person being unable to pay for things (when they had previously been financially independent), isolation (being controlled by people

around them) and noting that someone appears worried or scared to speak for themselves.

“Dedicating time to deliver education on elder abuse-related topics to both community members and professionals led to increased and more appropriate referrals as well as an understanding and awareness of elder abuse and related issues.”

Another example was that of mid-70s couple Michael and Linda who moved into a small unit on their daughter Samantha’s property after selling their farm to be closer to their grandchildren, support and treatment for Michael’s chronic back pain. After two years of living peacefully, Samantha’s new partner Jesse took issue with how much time she spent with her parents, whether supporting them or helping maintain the unit and tensions escalated when he moved in, reaching a point where Linda would be restricted from entering the main home and police were called and placed an intervention order against her.

With ROSE support, Linda had the intervention order overturned, had phone numbers supplied for emergency accommodation and housing support and helped her move in temporarily with her son Henry in Keilor.

Ms Lo said it’s imperative to remember that elder abuse is a community concern and not a private or family concern.

“Intervention in these situations can prevent elder abuse from occurring in the future, the experience of elder abuse can be extremely isolating and causes shame and humiliation for survivors and it is ECLC’s experience that the majority of perpetrators of elder abuse are family members,” she said.

“As a result, survivors of elder abuse are understandably reluctant to speak out about their experience for fear that their family members (often their adult children) will be punished, or that they will no longer have a relationship with their family member (or grand-children).

“ECLC is very grateful to have the funded Elder Abuse response programs but sadly, the demand in the Eastern Metropolitan region alone far outstrips the resources allocated to it.”

Will this year see women reach gender balance?

By Tanya Steele

It’s local election time and by the end of October this year the Yara Ranges will see a freshly votedin group of councillors - but will it be closer to the 50/50 gender representation that the State Government is striving for?

In 2020 the Yarra Ranges elected its highest number of female councillors – the highest since the council was formed in 1997, improving the gender balance from 11 per cent to 44 per cent.

That year 272 women were elected to local councils around Victoria – the highest amount ever at 43.8 per cent.

Councillor Fiona McAllister has held firmly onto her seat In Ryrie Ward, serving now for four terms and Cr McAllister said that in terms of diversity, Yarra Ranges has made some steps forward.

“For one term, four years ago, I was the only woman and youngest councillor,” she said.

“We ended up with a great and much more diverse group of councillors in this term so I am hoping the same following the next election.“

Fresh in 2020 Johanna Skelton was elected for Lyster ward and current Mayor Sopie Todorov for Melba ward, Cr Todorov said that in 2020 the Yarra Ranges council was one of the 13 ’fragile councils’ in Victoria, with only one or no women representation in the councillor group.

“I happened to come across a small ad in the local newspaper, seeking mentors for a program led by ’Voices of Women’ in the Yarra Ranges,” she said.

Cr Todorov said that the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) has also greatly supported her over the years with her role.

“Having more women in local council builds diversity and different perspectives, thus reflecting community,” she said.

“Having raised children, worked, and volunteered in the Yarra Ranges for many years, I took up the opportunity and soon became involved in the VLGA’s ’Local Democracy in Action’ sessions, learning more about local Council and building confidence around my skills.”

“In 2020, my passion and purpose to help

make the community safer and stronger inspired me to nominate as a candidate and I was pleasingly elected as the Melba ward councillor.”

Councillor Skelton said that the Yarra Ranges needs many more women to run for council across Victoria this year to get to 50/50 representation in local government.

“My message to anyone, but especially women and gender diverse people, is this - if you are open to listening and curious about the needs of all members of the community then you can do this role,” she said.

“If you are considering how this role might fit into your life then now is the time to find out. You can contact the CEO, and current councillors, and join the ‘More Women for Local Government’ Facebook group to ask your questions.”

The Victorian State Government has set a target of reaching 50 per cent representation of women in council by 2025 but historically the Yarra Ranges hasn’t ever reached this representation.

In the last four elections, the closest was the 2020 run with four of the nine wards represented by women. Before this, the shire sat in the bottom 20 per cent for women’s representation on local councils across the state.

Thisnumberdippedbacktothreewomenand

six men when now former Yarra Ranges Councillor and Victorian Senator Cathrine Burnett-Wake was appointed as the Upper House member for Eastern Victoria following Edward O’Donohue’s retirement from politics in late 2021.

Cr McAllister said she thinks having a diverse group of councillors is really important .

“We have to think about and make decisions about such a wide range of issues and how they will impact everyone in our community,” she said.

“Having different life experiences and world views is really critical to doing this well. Gender, age, background, culture, experience... all are important in making sure we represent our entire community well.”

A total of 13 women and 45 men have run for council seats since 2008 but in recent times candidates are more evenly distributed with 19 women and 25 men running in 2020.

November 2020 also marked 100 years since the election of Victoria’s first female councillor, Mary Rogers, to Richmond City Council.

Cr Skelton said that she came into the role of councillor with no paid board member experience and has found the Yarra Ranges council organisation and councillors supportive and respectful of her learning journey.

“You don’t need to know it all to do a good job as a councillor. I think it’s more important to have an open mind to learning,” she said.

“In local government, we are always ensuring that gendered impacts are considered in policies, plans and significant projects. Your perspective as a woman or gender diverse person will be valued and is as important as anyone else’s. It is actually legislated in the Gender Equality Act 2020.“

“If you know someone else who would be a wonderful voice for the community, please #tapherontheshoulder and let her know you think she should run.”

“This is what happened to me and I am very thankful I put my hand up to do this.”

Cr McAllister said she would really encourage anyone in the Yarra Ranges to run who feels passionate about this amazing place we live, about making things better and representing people who don’t have a voice.

“The role of councillor does mean taking on a lot but if you have support to do this then being able to make a difference and make sure community needs and views are best represented is very rewarding,“ she said.

“The moments that stand out for me and make me grateful for the chance to represent the community are often the little ones where I have been able to help solve a problem or make a great idea come to life.”

The 2024 Victorian local council elections will be the state’s largest single-election program, with a predicted 4.7 million voters participating in 465 individual elections across 78 councils.

Cr Todorov said that as a woman and current Yarra Ranges council Mayor, she is proud to be seen and heard and hopes to inspire other women to put their hands up for the next local government elections.

“As the saying goes, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’,“ she said.

Eligible residents and ratepayers are urged to check they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming local council elections by 4 pm Wednesday 7 August.

The next local government general elections will be held on Saturday, 26 October 2024.

The State Government has set a target of reaching 50 per cent representation of women in council by 2025. Historically the Yarra Ranges hasn’t ever reached this representation. (Supplied)

Not ready for snow

By Callum Ludwig

While the sight of snow on Mt Donna Buang is exciting for locals and visitors alike, it’s important visitors are prepared before ascending the mountain.

After heavy traffic already caused delays in an incident involving a woman with a lower-body injury on Saturday 20 July, emergency services were again inundated with requests for assistance over the last weekend in July.

Upper Yarra SES Unit Controller Hannah Brunton said the lunacy over the weekend was insane.

“There were so many people heading up there, so many people that were completely ill-prepared with completely the wrong cars, no chains and not even the right clothing,” she said.

“People drown at the beach and at least they’re wearing bathers and they’re equipped for being at the beach but people go to the snow not realising that you can die in the snow just as easily as you can in the ocean.”

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria personnel were called out alongside SES crews from the Upper Yarra, Lilydale, Marysville, Nillumbik and Alexandra units after a number of vehicles became stuck in the substantial snow.

Ms Brunton said on Saturday 27 July they were told that there were 40 to 50 people stuck on the mountain with temperatures plummeting.

“We know that these people are not going to be properly prepared for sleeping out in the snow so we had five different SES units, multiple police cars, a few ambulances, so many resources tied up to help these people,” she said.

“When we got there, there was only one vehicle that was stuck and some of the locals were helping to get it out so it was a complete waste of resources that thankfully weren’t needed somewhere else but if they had been, it would have been a disaster.”

Snow had fallen as far down the mountain as the Rainforest Gallery, about 9.5km from the summit and four-wheel drives were the only vehicles permitted to proceed. VicRoads also closed the road from the 10-Mile carpark to the summit.

Ms Brunton said upon their arrival, one car had become stuck with people in it and another was stuck and had been left there.

“It had come through to police multiple times from multiple people that there was people stuck up there and we had to just assume the worst,” she said.

“Before you visit, check online, read the resources about what the snow is like up there, make sure that you and your kids are wearing proper clothing and footwear.

“Go in a vehicle that can actually withstand driving in the snow, either an all-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive and carry chains because though you may not need them, if by chance you do happen to need them at least you can get out.”

Parks Victoria encourages visitors to always pack extra warm layers, spare dry clothing, and plenty of food and water for a trip to Mt Donna Buang while also ensuring your vehicle has a full tank of petrol, blankets, a paper map/park visitor guide and a torch in case roads are closed or there are delays

To check whether the park is open and acces-

sible, visit the Parks Victoria Change of Conditions pages for both the Yarra Ranges National Park or Mt Donna Buang, while the Warburton Waterwheel Information Centre may also be able to assist in town.

Departing early is also not always advised, as roads may not always be graded or be icy and dangerous.

Visitors are asked not to head up the mountain if it is becoming dark or when it is dark.

If your vehicle becomes stuck, stay with the vehicle and contact a towing company or if the situation is life-threatening, call Triple Zero.

A Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) spokesperson said weather conditions

in alpine areas can change rapidly, especially in winter, and it’s important to be prepared.

“We remind drivers to check local weather conditions and the VicTraffic website for current road closures and black ice warnings before travelling,” they said.

DTP advice for driving in alpine areas include checking all tyres and lights are in good working condition, driving cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin, avoiding sudden steering inputs, braking gently, avoiding unnecessary gear changes, maintaining a safe braking distance from vehicles in front especially in poor visibility and using headlights in low light conditions.

IN BRIEF

Four in four hours

Four drink-drivers were detected by four different police units across the Yarra Ranges on Friday night, exceeding the alcohol limit, putting themselves and those around them at risk.

At 10.45pm, Highway Patrol were conducting random breath tests in in Woori Yallock, where a 43-year-old Launching Place man blew 0.059. He will lose his licence for three months and will be required to have an interlock device fitted to his vehicle.

At 11.55pm, Belgrave members observed a car trying to avoid police, they intercepted and spoke with the 18-year-old female P Plater from Croydon North. She was found to be carrying one too many passengers and provided a positive breath test of 0.043. She will also lose her licence for three months and be required to have an interlock device fitted to her vehicle.

At 12.19am, Transit Police observed a vehicle with no headlights on Mt Dandenong Road, Montrose. The male driver from Montrose turned out to be a 17-year-old unaccompanied Learner with a 16-year-old passenger. He provided a positive breath test of 0.090. He lost his learner’s licence immediately; his vehicle was impounded and he will have to attend court in the near future.

At 12.38am, Lilydale Police were patrolling the McDonald’s car park in Lilydale when they observed a vehicle reverse out of the disabled bay. The 26-year-old Mount Evelyn male appeared glossy-eyed and had slurred speech. He subsequently provided a breath test of 0.134. His licence was immediately suspended for 12 months, his vehicle impounded and he will have to attend court in the near future.

Yarra Glen laundromat theft

On 19 May, it is alleged that the a man entered a business premises on Bell Street, Yarra Glen and stole cash from a number of laundromat machines.

Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit is seeking the identity of the person and anyone with information is urged to contact their office on 9739 2401, or alternatively make a report via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime

Tesla recall

Approximately 34,993 Telsa Model Y and Model 3 cars with a year range of 2020 - 2024 have been recalled.

Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of “open bonnet“. If the vehicle is driven with unlatched bonnet, it may open abruptly when driving and could result in obstruction of the driver’s view.

Obstruction of the driver’s view may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to road users.

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted in writing by Tesla. To address the issue, an over the air software update (OTA) update will be installed on all affected vehicles.

If your vehicle is running on software version 2024.20.3 or later, your vehicle is not subject to this issue. You can confirm your vehicle’s software version by tapping ’Controls’ > ’Software’ on your touchscreen.

A stuck vehicle on Mt Donna Buang. (Eyewatch- Yarra Ranges Police Service Area)

NEWS Busiest quarter on record

By Mikayla van Loon

Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) response times in the Yarra Ranges have worsened, a trend occurring across the state as Code 1 cases reached a yearly high.

The quarterly data from 1 April to 30 June this year showed the average response time in the Yarra Ranges had blown out to 18 minutes and 10 seconds, three minutes more than the state-wide target of 15 minutes.

Only 49.7 per cent of the Code 1 jobs hit the target of 15 minutes or less, a 6.1 per cent decline from the previous quarter and 14.5 per cent below the state average of 64.2 per cent.

The Yarra Ranges recorded a total of 2141 Code 1 responses, while the state saw a sharp increase with 102,416 cases needing lights and sirens, 5932 more than the previous quarter.

In the metropolitan region as a whole, paramedics responded to 71,906 Code 1 emergencies.

AV metropolitan regional director Michael Georgiou said demand across the metropolitan region increased by 5.3 per cent – or 3644 more Code 1 cases – compared with a year ago.

“The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness such as flu, Covid-19 and RSV circulating within our communities and our workforce,” Mr Georgiou said.

“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders across Melbourne’s suburbs do an incredible job in the face of record-breaking demand, providing best care to our communities every day.”

The closest neighbouring local government areas (LGA) to see improvement compared to last year were Maroondah (one minute and 15 seconds faster) and Nillumbik (52 seconds faster).

Cardinia’s response time also increased to over 18 minutes, having previously sat around 16 to 17 minutes.

Over in Knox, the response time still fell with-

in the desired timeframe but increased to 14.57 from a previous 13.45.

Code 2 responses also extended despite less cases being logged across Victoria, totalling 50,576, a drop from 53,565 in the previous quarter.

In the Yarra Ranges this increased from 39.33 minutes to 44.15; in Cardinia, it went up from 39.03 minutes to 45.56; Knox saw a rise from 40.47 to 44.16; and in Maroondah from 41.30 minutes to 46.01.

Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill said it was unacceptable that a third of emergency patients, whether it be for heart attacks, strokes, car accidents or cardiac arrests, were waiting too long state-wide for an ambulance.

“No paramedic in Victoria will be surprised by the latest response time data. The entire workforce has been screaming ‘iceberg right ahead’, and now the ship is sinking,” he said.

“Paramedics are spending more time ramped at hospital, more time being sent to trivial cases and less time responding to genuine emergency patients.

“AV is an emergency service. That’s what taxpayers pay for. But the workforce feel that the current AV Executive are taking AV in a different direction and patients are suffering, which is why so many paramedics are calling for the Govern-

ment to take action.”

Mr Georgiou and fellow metropolitan regional director Vanessa Gorman urged people to use alternative care pathways when they needed timely medical treatment but it was not an emergency.

“It is important that everyone does their part. If your matter is not an emergency, consider using alternative care options like Primary Priority Care Centres (PPCC) or the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) and keep our highly skilled paramedics available for patients most in need,” Mr Georgiou said.

“You can connect directly with the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) at www. vved.org.au anywhere, anytime in the comfort of home and avoid a trip to hospital,” Ms Gorman said.

At least one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need an emergency ambulance response.

“From April to June, 41,704 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s Secondary Triage team,” Ms Gorman said.

For more information about routine winter vaccinations or finding your nearest PPCC, visit the Better Health website at www.betterhealth. vic.gov.au

Local highways among the most ‘troublesome’ roads

A statewide survey by RACV on the safety of regional roads in Victoria has received a strong response from residents of the Yarra Ranges.

The Melba Highway from Coldstream to Yea was mentioned in more responses to RACV’s My Country Road survey than anywhere else and the Warburton Highway also featured among roads with many safety concerns.

The Northern Region, which includes the Yarra Ranges, had the highest response rate of all regions surveyed.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said the data from the survey indicated that the condition of regional roads has become a major safety concern for Victorians.

“Six of the top roads identified in the 2021 survey appear again this year, including the Melba Highway, Bass Highway, Bacchus Marsh Road, Phillip Island Road, Warburton Highway, and the junction of the Midland Highway and Howard Street in Epsom.” Mr Williams said.

“Sixteen of the twenty-one most dangerous roads identified in the 2021 survey received upgrades and improvements by government; but more work needs to be undertaken to improve the safety of regional roads.”

The main concerns identified by the participants were potholes/road conditions (60 per cent), dangerous behaviours of other drivers e.g. speeding, erratic driving (32 per cent), narrow lanes/roads (29 per cent), intersection safety issues (26 per cent) and limited overtaking opportunities (24 per cent).

“While in 2021, dangerous driver behaviour was the biggest safety concern on regional roads, this year poor road conditions received

more than double the number of responses as dangerous driver behaviour.” Mr Williams said

“The number of responses received is a

strong indicator that Victorians are concerned about safety on regional roads and are calling for urgent improvement.”

The most popular solutions included improving road surfaces (60 per cent), creating wider shoulders at the edges of the road (23 per cent), wider lanes (15 per cent), adopting lower/more appropriate speed limits (14 per cent), clearing trees/vegetation/other obstructions (13 per cent) and intersection safety improvements (12 per cent).

56 per cent of those surveyed believe the speed limit on the top 12 most dangerous roads should be reduced, 61 per cent of participants identified locations where they believe the 90+ km/h speed limit should be 80/km/h or below and 78 per cent of responses identified a location to be dangerous or very dangerous.

The survey used an online interactive map that showed high-speed roads with large concentrations of crashes causing death or serious injury in regional Victoria.

The map highlighted roads with speed limits of 80km per hour or higher where there have been fatal or serious crashes for the five-year period between 2018 and 2023.

Participants provided feedback by clicking on one of the highlighted roads and filling out a survey. Participants were also welcome to nominate another road in regional Victoria that they felt posed a risk to drivers.

The troublesome Melba Highway featured among the most-feared regional roads. (File)

Ambulance Victoria responses times have worsened it what was it’s busiest quarter on record. (Stewart Chambers: 303384)

Nine locals still missing

From page 1

Warren Meyer went bushwalking at 7.45am on 23 March 2008.

He was to meet up with his wife and friends for lunch at the RACV club in Healesville but did not arrive.

Warren was wearing shorts, a light top and his walking boots.

He also took a backpack containing a map of the area, a handheld GPS, a mobile telephone, some water and confectionery.

Warren’s white Subaru Forester was found parked at Dom Dom Saddle car park in Yarra Ranges, a 15-minute drive north of Healesville.

Tej Chitnis was last seen on Wednesday 27 April 2016 at approximately 10am leaving his Burwood East address in his silver 2005 VW Golf Hatchback, Victorian rego TTF 517.

He usually drives to the Blackburn Railway station, parks his car in a nearby street and catches public transport to the university.

Tej’s vehicle was last seen travelling east on the Maroondah Highway, Healesville near the intersection of Green Street on 27 April at about 11.34am.

Tej failed to return home at 4pm as usual and did not attend his father’s birthday dinner that night.

His VW Golf has also not been located.

Tej was last seen wearing a t-shirt, jeans and black Adidas runners, and is described as 170 to 175cm tall, of Indian appearance (he was born in Australia to Indian parents) with short black hair.

Suzanne Lawrance left a 21st birthday party at the Healesville Memorial Hall on 7 February 1987 and was last seen in the vicinity of Queens Park walking to her Campbell Road home.

The 16-year-old was wearing a white party dress at the time.

Over the past three decades, a significant investigation into Suzanne’s disappearance has been conducted and police continue to treat the matter as suspicious.

Many people have been spoken to by police as part of this investigation, however, no one has been charged, and sadly Suzanne has not been located.

Boronia: Siriyakorn ‘Bung’ Siriboon Siriyakorn ‘Bung’ Siriboon was last seen on Thursday 2 June 2011 at approximately 8.25am.

Siriyakorn left her family home in Elsie Street, Boronia to walk to school.

She was dressed in her school uniform, wearing her dark blue zip-front school jacket and carrying a backpack.

She was seen by a neighbour a short time later in Elsie Street, walking towards Albert Avenue.

She did not arrive at school that day and failed to return home.

Siriyakorn has not been seen or heard from since.

Her disappearance is out of character, there are grave concerns for her welfare.

Gembrook: Joanne Deason

On 22 August 2003, Joanne Deason left a note for her boyfriend stating she was going to school and would be home in the evening.

Joanne failed to return home.

Police inquiries show that Joanne did not arrive at school.

She was living with depression at the time of

her disappearance.

She was last seen in Gembrook.

She is 160cm tall with light brown hair and hazel eyes and is now 52.

Mooroolbark: Cherie Westell

Cherie Westell, who was born in 1984, with brown hair and hazed eyes at 167cm tall, didn’t return home on Tuesday 12 December 2000.

She had a dentist appointment at 12pm at Knox Dental Group, in Wantirna South, and left the surgery at around 12.30pm.

At1.58pm,CherietelephonedherMooroolbark home from a public telephone box situated on the corner of Selkirk Avenue and Wantirna Road, Wantirna about 5km from the dentist.

Cherie was attempting to make her way home but has not been seen or heard from since.

Belgrave South: Richard Hadwick

Richard Hadwick was 21-years-old at the time he disappeared.

He was last seen at his home in Belgrave South by his parents on Saturday 19 May 1990.

Richard arrived at his house at approximately 12.30am in a taxi.

The taxi waited in the driveway while he changed his clothes.

He then told his mother he was going to Fosters Disco in Dandenong and left in the taxi.

and took no extra clothing or belongings.

He has not been seen since.

He has a small group of friends and worked at Bayswater Joinery, but has not been to work since.

Richard was bailed to attend Dandenong Magistrates Court on burglary charges on 24 May 1990 and reports indicate was afraid he could be sent to prison.

Richard is now 55.

He has blonde hair and blue eyes at 182cm tall.

Croydon Hills: Linda Grimstone

At about 8.50am on 4 September 2000, Linda Grimstone dropped her two children off at Croydon Hills Primary and did not return to pick them up.

Police enquiries have revealed that Linda purchased petrol at the Wesburn petrol station at approximately 9.45am and was last seen at around 3.50pm that same day in the car park of Powers Lookout 270km North East of Melbourne.

Police cannot explain her reason for attending Powers Lookout but her vehicle was located at 10am the next day in bushland nearby.

Linda is 168cm tall with brown hair and blue eyes and is now 66.

Diamond Creek: John Forster

His wife had left the house with their two sons and on her return home, John and their vehicle a 1998 green Subaru Forester wagon, Victorian registration OSV092 were gone.

John’s wallet and phone were left at home.

This wasn’t unusual for John to do, as he often went for a run or walk leaving these items at home. That night, John’s vehicle was located at the Sugarloaf Reservoir in Christmas Hills, the vehicle was parked near the water intake tower look out.

John has light brown hair and grey eyes at 175cm tall and is now 65.

Ms Ratcliffe said having a missing loved one in a family or as a friend is a lot different than when someone passes away.

“You have a sense of closure when someone passes away, and you’ve got the opportunity to say goodbye,“ she said.

“You know where they are buried or where their ashes are scattered, whereas the missing persons’ family or friends don’t have that form of resolution.

“There are always unanswered questions, so it’s a constant battle of not knowing.”

So next time you are in our pharmacy or passing through Warburton ask our friendly staff about the new lotto

Trading hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat 9am - 12.30pm

Richard had little money on him at the time

John Forster was last seen by his wife and their two sons at 10am on Saturday 7 October 2017, at their residence in Diamond Creek.

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of these missing persons is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic. com.au

Tej Chitnis, missing since 2016. (File: 153667)

Warren Meyer, missing since 2008. (File: 96313)

Suzanne Lawrance, missing since 1987. (File: 248830)

John Forster, missing since 2017. (Australian Federal Police)

Linda Grimstone, missing since 2000. (Australian Federal Police)

Siriyakorn ‘Bung’ Siriboon, missing since 2011. (Victoria Police)

Big night for democracy

By Callum Ludwig

Voices For Casey is continuing its lead-up to next year’s election with an event bringing together some of the key names and faces of the community independents movement to date.

Kooyong MP Monique Ryan will be the headline speaker for ‘The Big Democracy Night Out’ free-to-enter event to be held in the Mount Evelyn Public Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 8 August.

Dr Ryan said she hopes to share with attendees what the experience of Kooyong’s community independent movement has been like.

“I want to just talk to the people of Casey about what our journey has been like, what it’s been like since I was elected and what I’ve been able to achieve offer that to the people of Casey as an example,” she said.

“Every electorate is different, every community is different in what they hope to achieve and what they want from their representative but I think that in Kooyong it’s been a pretty powerful movement and it’s been a really positive thing and I’m really looking forward to talking to your electorate about that as well.”

Dr Ryan was elected in Kooyong at the 2022 Federal Election ousting former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg with a preference count of 52.8 per cent to 47.1 per cent. Frydenberg previously held the seat with a margin of 6.4 per cent following the 2019 election.

Climate 200’s, which is providing funding support to Voices 4 Casey, Executive Director Byron Fay previously told the Star Mail that ‘from history that it often takes at least two go’s to win as an independent’, a sentiment Dr Ryan said does seem to hold true.

“It was certainly the case in Kooyong and it’s not a small thing to secure independent representation at a federal level,” she said.

“I think Casey is potentially right on track, I’m not on the grassroots in the electorate, but from what I can see, it seems like a very motivated,

well-organised group of people,”

“I would think they are probably well-placed to potentially put a potentially successful candidate at the next federal election.”

Started only months out from the 2022 election, Voices For Casey has grown to a base of 300 volunteers and ‘launched the bird’ back in May in their efforts towards the next election and engagement with the electorate.

Voices for Casey President Dr Ani Wierenga said Dr Ryan’s success in Kooyong shows what independents can do.

“At this event, we’re drawing together some

entertaining thinkers to talk about why independent representation in parliament is important, and why this matters even more now,” she said.

Voices for Casey’s 2022 election candidate Claire Ferris Miles will interview Dr Ryan, as well as the 2022 Community Independent candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson and Phil Haines who has been the campaign manager for Community Independent members for Indi Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines.

“I think it really speaks to the power of the people’s faith and commitment to the democratic process in Australia, Indi is very different from Kooyong and we’re both very different from

Casey, but the people of the electorate want the same thing, they want representation by people who can advocate strongly and effectively on their behalf at a federal level,” Dr Ryan said

“Australia’s independent movement is something I’m extremely passionate about, so looking forward to connecting with the Casey community to discuss life, love and grass-roots political revolution,” Dyson said.

Casey’s Liberal MP Aaron Violi secured his current position with a margin of 1.5 per cent, replacing retiring MP Tony Smith. Ms Ferres Miles secured 8.34 per cent of the vote in Casey in 2022, behind the Liberal, Labor and Greens candidates.

Independent member for Kooyong Monique Ryan is the headline speaker for Voices For Casey’s event. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Shaping future of health

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Three young women have been announced as the 2024 recipients of Inspiro’s tertiary health scholarships to help fund their studies and a chance to unlock a world of opportunities.

Community health service Inspiro has awarded scholarships to the value of $18,500 to Yarra Ranges students undertaking tertiary health science courses, to inspire the next generation of health professionals.

The inaugural scholarships were first awarded in March 2000 by the old Lilydale Hospital, Inspiro took over these scholarship awards from Lilydale Hospital in 2006, and since they’ve been awarding hardworking students annually - except during Covid.

Dr Hamish was Chair of the hospital at the time and after its closure, he played a key role in ensuring the scholarships would continue to be offered to local health students, and he has been a long serving member of Inspiro in a variety of roles - these include board director, community advisory group chair and he also serves on the interview panel of the Scholarship Committee –which he claims as one of his favourite day of the year.

He said it’s incredibly important to have an investment in health for the future.

“I feel very special about living in the Yarra Ranges, and I love being involved with my community because it keeps me young and involved with health and also, I feel a strong sense of community here,” Dr Hamish said.

“I’ve loved the thought of Inspiro being part of the community because there’s a real struggle for people to study at universities that are much further live out here, if we can help them, regardless of whether they come back to work in the Yarra Ranges or not – as long as they shape our health system in the future.”

“We want to look forward, and if we can help and inspire people along the way. Well, that’s fantastic,

Important community figures attended the ceremony including the Yarra Ranges Mayor Sophie Todorov, Sue Sestan, Jane Sinnamon, Hamish Russell, Stephen Potter, the recipients’ families and many more.

The winners need to showcase determination and commitment in their studies as well as their contribution within their community.

Last year there were four recipients which included Derek Villacera, Sarah Oliver, Alannah Finger and Jamiee Cook.

This year’s recipients are Kelsey Horsnaill, Elisabeth (Meg) Woods and Pippa Martin.

Inspiro chief executive officer Sue Sestan announced this year’s winners on Thursday afternoon 25 July at the Belgrave Community Hub.

“We believe the awards are quite significant because whilst we are struggling to recruit due to workforce shortages, we see this as a direct contribution to future workforce, and especially being able to encourage those in the Yarra Ranges to continue their studies or to take up studies in health,” Ms Sestan said.

“In many situations, we know financial hardship can be the make or break of completing a course.”

“We recognise that health is struggling with

finding people who are values driven, and we hope that Inspiro’s awards demonstrate, or try to indicate that values-driven decisions are really important – hence, it’s not just the academic experience, but also the attributes in the community service we use as criteria.”

Ms Sestan said people should be encouraging young people to take up health disciplines as there’s an aging population to it.

“The cost of services increases, and it’s organisations like Inspiro and other public type organisations that will make the difference in a lot of these people’s lives who can’t afford care,” she said.

Kelsey Horsnaill, who’s the recipient of the 2024 Hamish Russell Scholarship Award valuing at $8000, she’s currently in her second year studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Monash University.

“I’m speechless, I was in utter shock when I found out about being the winner of the Hamish Russell award,” she said.

“It’s life changing for me, and it’s going to open up so many different avenues for young people.”

“There’s a lot of challenges, everything’s getting more expensive, but being able to provide young people with things like, it allows them to focus more on their studies and have more opportunities in the community than what they probably would have had.”

After Ms Horsnaill graduates, she hopes to work in paediatrics in local schools or hospitals.

Elisabeth (Meg) Woods was the recipient for the 2024 Stephen Potter Scholarship Award, valuing at $6500.

The mother of four from Yarra Junction is studying her Masters of Nurse Practitioner remotely through the University of Newcastle, as well as working in three local general practices in Healesville, Warburton and Wandin North.

She said it’s a heavy workload, but with her dedication and hard work, not only has she found a clearer vision but also enjoys what she’s learning.

“I’m really grateful to be recognised as I’ve worked really hard to be where I am at now,” Ms Wood said.

“I have always been giving to the community and trying to strengthen the community and improve the health options for people, it’s nice to be recognised.”

She said with the current cost of living, and managing four kids, the pressure overwhelms things.

“Having that extra support means I don’t have to worry about life pressure, but rather focus on work and study,” she said.

“I’d like to buy some equipment that would be useful for my job so that I have my own tools no matter where I go.”

Ms Wood said she’s “eternally grateful” to everyone who helped and supported her to get to where she’s at now, especially her mentors, and families – in particular, her husband, who had to pick up a lot of things so she could succeed.

The super-mum intends to graduate in November.

Pippa Martin who’s currently in her third year studying occupational therapy at La Trobe University was the recipient for the 2024 Tertiary Health Scholarship Encouragement Award, valuing at $2500.

Ms Martin has been in uni for nearly seven years now.

“It’s been tricky to keep up motivation all these years, having a scholarship like this to recognise that effort means a lot,” she said.

“We’re doing four-months of unpaid placements next year – this will help relieve some of that stress and allow me to focus on my studying.”

She intends to graduate at the end of 2025.

If you are serious about making a difference in your community’s health, keep your eyes out for next year’s intake.

To be eligible, applicants must be a Yarra Ranges Shire resident and currently undertaking or enrolled to commence tertiary studies in an

accredited health science course at an Australian university or TAFE institute, or through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. For further information, visit: inspiro.org.au/ join-in/scholarships/

Left to right: Pippa Martin, Kelsey Horsnaill and Elisabeth (Megg) Wood. (Stewart Chambers)

Dr Hamish Russell’s speech before announcing the winners.

Elisabeth (Megg) Wood won the Stephen Potter Award.

Jane Sinnamon, Hamish Russell, Sophie Todorov, Pippa Martin, Kelsey Horsnaill and Elisabeth (Megg) Wood, Sue Sestan and Stephen Potter.

Kelsey Horsnaill won the Hamish Russell award.

Many seeking food relief

By Callum Ludwig

Extreme demand for food relief has seen LinC Yarra Valley’s Fresh Food Program record a dramatic increase in people accessing their stocks.

In the last financial year, LinC recorded $1.62 million of fresh food that was delivered to the community across its five sites that operate each Friday.

Stepping aside from getting set up at the Upper Yarra Family Centre on Friday 2 August, LinC’s Fresh Food program coordinator Mark Knoll said the biggest challenge is the number of clients they are getting.

“This time last year, a big week was 70 in a week, we’ve had over 143 this year and that’s our biggest week, but we’re getting 120 plus every week,” he said.

“Volunteer-wise, I’m pretty right at the moment I’ve got plenty of people wanting to volunteer but food is where the shortage comes, we’re lucky Second Bite are still able to deliver.

“Today was two and a half pallets and a big pallet is about a ton of food in there was about four tonnes and a bit and across our five sites today we’ll probably hand out about 12 tonnes.”

Including volunteer labour and the cost of pickups, LinC estimates it delivered almost $2.1 million in value to the community through the Fresh Food program alone in 2023-24.

Mr Knoll said they are seeing a big demand for pantry items and fresh food in general.

“We’re starting to get in touch with the kindergartens, we give apples and fruit and veggies to a few of the kindergartens around here to help cook for the children, because they’re starting to see the other side of the squeeze, where kids are running up to kindergarten without breakfast or lunch, that’s the biggest change over the last 12 months he said.

“We’ve seen the biggest changes in young mums where they are a dual-income family and a baby comes along, and they are on maternity

leave for about 16 weeks before that finishes, they’re back to one income while their power’s up, the water’s up, gas is up, rates are up and rents or home loans are up so they’re a working poor family and we are seeing plenty of them coming along now.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi came along to lend a hand at the Upper Yarra Family Centre and see for himself the efforts that go into the program each week.

Mr Violi said he’s been lucky enough to attend two of LinC’s AGMs where he’s seen the level of work they do and was very keen to come out and see first-hand the benefit that’s going directly to the community.

“It’s deeply concerning [the level of demand for food relief] and it’s consistent across every food organisation that I speak to and not just in the last six months, since being elected, essentially the last two years, the numbers are going

up,” he said.

“There is more demand than ever for our community which is concerning and equally at the same time that there’s more demand than ever for these organisations, their costs are going up, putting more pressure on these organisations and unfortunately many are also reporting that their volunteer numbers are down.

“There are significant challenges that we face in the community with the cost of living crisis and organisations like LinC are on the front line of providing those services, that’s why I’m always keen to get out and visit them and to say thank you but see what else we can do to continue to support them because we need organisations like LinC in our community.”

LinC receives the majority of the items it disperses from SecondBite, with 338,150kg of food provided alone in the last financial year. Other donations of items come from Sanders Apples,

Eastern Food Share, Coles, Bakers Delight, Yarra Junction Bakery, personal donations and D & W Knoll while monetary donations were given by Dunlop Shoes, Nappy Collective and Holy Fools.

Mr Knoll said he hopes Mr Violi can take away from the day just how much need there is in the community.

“I think more and more politicians and people in government are starting to understand the pressures and the cost of living, especially those people on the margins and in the Uper Yarra, we’re a fairly marginalised group of people,” he said.

The Victorian Government this week also announced a new $4.5 million Community Food Relief Program which will provide funding streams to local, regional and statewide food relief.

Local groups can apply for grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 – or up to $75,000 for partnerships – and Mr Knoll said LinC is already looking into what they can apply for.

“Wer’e digging through it now to see what support we can gain out of it because a lot of people will donate money but they won’t donate money to overheads and in that grant, there is some overhead allowance for delivery so it’s a grant that we’ll look at very soon,” he said.

Aldi, Woolworths, the Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in East Warburton,

L-R: Casey MP Aaron Violi with LinC’s Fresh Food program coordinator Mark Knoll. (Callum Ludwig: 423096)

Mark Knoll delivers some refrigerated goods. (423096)

Distillery on national stage

By Dongyun Kwon and Seren Howells

A local gin distillery which is only half-a-year-old has received recognition on a national level.

Stag Lane Farm Distillery started in January and ended up winning two golds (Mary Monica Yuzu Gin and Wedding Gin), a silver (Mary Monica Gin Reaper) and a bronze (Mary Monica Oriental Gin) at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.

Business owner Gayle Reeves said she is really happy to receive the Melbourne Royal’s awards.

“It’s one of the certain awards that have a higher credibility in our industry,” she said.

“The judges that are within this award system are renowned people within the industry.”

The awards presentation night was held at the Melbourne Showgrounds on Thursday 1 August.

Ms Reeves said they could produce good quality gin because they grow the botanicals on site.

“We don’t just look at the gin itself and the process of distillation, but we also look at the quality of the botanicals that we put in our gin because we’ve got control over those from beginning to end,” she said.

“One of our key features that we do is that we distil our citrus within 24 hours of picking it, so by being on the farm, we can actually bring them straight from the tree to the still and put them through straight away.

“We get so many more oils and so much more vibrancy in our flavours.”

The name of Mary Monica labelled in Stag Lane’s gin is named after the great-grandmother of Paul Reeves, Gayle Reeves’ husband.

Mary Monica started to jump into the hospitality industry, and the hospitality blood has now passed down to her fifth generation, the children of the current owners.

The son James Reeves takes the role of head distiller and the daughter Abbey Trotter manages food and beverage.

“We all chip in if something needs to be done,” Ms Reeves said.

“It’s really lovely to bring your children into the business.

“They grew up in hospitality, and now they have much more of a say of what goes on, share with what we do and help to get us going.”

Ms Reeves thanked locals and people in the same industry.

“I’d really love to thank all the locals, we’ve been supported wonderfully by the local community“ she said.

“If we weren’t supported by them, we couldn’t keep going to do what we’re doing.

“Also, all of the people at all different levels in the industry are so helpful and share their knowledge.”

The family behind Mary Monica and Stag Lane Farm - Paul and Gayle Reeves with their son, head distiller James and daughter Abbey Trotter with her two daughters, Matilda and Josephine. (File: 321216)

The Yarra Valley triumphs

By Dongyun Kwon

The Yarra Valley shone in the 2024 Reader’s Choice Award for its beautiful hospitality businesses.

Eight businesses from bars to restaurants in the region have been selected for the award by the Australian Good Food Guide.

Tokar Estate in Coldstream is a family-owned and run boutique winery featuring a restaurant, cellar door and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Tokar Estate general manager Daniel Tokar said the team is thrilled to be recognised for all of their hard work as its restaurant was put on the list.

“It is always uplifting to be recognised by our customers as a favourite in the Yarra Valley, especially among the high calibre of venues in the area,” he said.

“When the restaurant first opened over 20 years ago, it was a passion project with the dream to offer friendly service and delicious food, complemented by boutique award-winning wines.

“Rita Tokar viewed the restaurant as an extension of her family dining room, and sought to provide the same level of warm hospitality.”

His parents Rita and Leon Tokar first purchased the 40-acre property back in the early 90s as a bare paddock, originally intended as a weekend escape.

With a passion for wine and having friends in the area with successful vineyards, Leon Tokar planted a few acres of vines, which soon expanded to five varietals across 30 acres.

“With a growing following and a need for more space, the Tokar family then built the restaurant and winery building, which has just celebrated its 21st birthday,” Daniel Tokar said.

“The separate cellar door was built in 2019, providing a family-friendly space, and a large area for wine tastings and events.”

Napoleone Cider and Orchard Bar is a hidden gem in the Yarra Valley.

Sharing the estate of Punt Road Wines, visitors enjoy estate-made apple and pear ciders that are pressed into fresh juice and fermented into refreshing ciders by its winemakers who just happen to love cider.

Its friendly and knowledgeable team serves up the cider in a relaxed atmosphere while guests enjoy its gorgeous setting in the middle of estate orchards and vineyards.

Napoleone Cider is owned and operated by the third and fourth generations of the Napoleone family, who have been orchardists in the Yarra Valley since the 40s.

The cidery started in the late 2000s as a passion project.

Napoleone Cider and Punt Road Wines general manager Tim Wilson said cider is sold and priced like beer but it is made like wine using the same equipment.

“Cider tends to be enjoyed as a summer drink in Australia. When the temp is rising, so too do cider sales,” he said.

“To keep the cider love flowing in winter, we started a mulled cider program a few years ago.

“In the last two years this has gone bananas and, this year, around 90 pubs and venues in and around Melbourne are pouring Napoleone Mulled Cider, making it just as busy as Summer.

The Laneway Healesville offers South and North American street food such as Nachos, tacos and burritos with cocktails.

The Laneway Healesville owner Heather Alcock said although it’s been just two years for her new business, she has been in the food industry for 14 years running another cafe Mocha and Lime for

12 years in Healesville beforehand.

“Our first year of The Laneway Healesville was a whirlwind of figuring out who we were and how to get people to find us,” she said.

“The biggest challenges are location and spice, some people are scared that the food will be too spicy, but once they try it, they love it.

“The venue is a real hideaway on the main street. The garden is large, with lots of nooks to sit and relax, but finding us seems to be tricky.”

After two years of operation, The Laneway Healesville has been getting good recognition and has a great number of regulars and visitors.

Ms Alcock said her business has won the Reader’s Choice Award for two years in a row.

“Fast forward two years and we’ve found our rhythm, and we’re thrilled to be gaining recognition,” she said.

“Fresh, tasty food, coffee and cocktails are our thing. Friendly service with a smile.

“We’re a family-run business with a team that feels like extended family, so everything is made with love, and let’s not forget our coffee, our baristas are absolute legends and have built us a solid reputation in town.”

Spinner’s Souvlaki Bar and Grill is a Greek-style bar and grill based out of Healesville, boasting a variety of Greek-themed dishes for both takeaway and dine-in experiences.

Family-owned and managed Spinner’s has maintained a reputation for fresh, tasty, in-house prepared food and catering services.

Spinner’s owner John Athanasopoulos said his team is thrilled to receive another Australian Good Food Guide award, and is extremely thankful to the customers who appreciate them and allow them to become recognised for the work they have put in as a collective.

“Our secret to maintaining a good reputation and consistent recognition is consistently communicating with customers and building effective relationships, especially in a smaller town such as Healesville,” he said.

“We strive to keep an emphasis on putting 100 per cent effort into every single meal we prepare and take pride in the work we do.

“Communication with all suppliers is some-

thing we do on a weekly basis sourcing the best quality product.”

Spinner’s was founded in 2018.

John and Leanne Athanasopoulos had originally run a Fish and Chip Shop on the corresponding side of town.

“Seeing a gap in the Greek Cuisine market in the Yarra Valley was the kickstarter and main motivator for Spinner’s originally which resulted in a fully in-house design of both the store and the menu to fit both the area and demographic,” Mr Athanasopoulos said.

No.7 Healesville is a restaurant and wine bar celebrating the seasons with shared-style dishes paired with an exciting and ever-changing list of organic drinks from around the world.

No.7 Healesville restaurant manager Spike Frazer said his team is passionate about giving people a good experience.

“No. 7 initially started as an urban winery for your winemakers to launch their own labels,” he said.

“With our background in weddings, events and restaurants, such as Stones of the Yarra Valley, The Stables and Meletos, we obviously built in a restaurant and events space.

“We still make wine here for the weddings at Stones and our in-house label Fallow, working with beautiful organic grapes grown in the Yarra Valley, and our thoughtful and personable service makes dining and drinking exciting and memorable.”

Mr Frazer said there was a big adversity when a planned power outage around the Covid period happened but the team wisely dealt with it.

“We couldn’t use our kitchen on a Sunday lunch service due to a planned power outage, but our chef Joel Bowers was quick to think of a solution,” he said.

“He has had a passion for modern Mexican cooking, and we fired up the outside grill and had a really fun day.

“From then on, we’ve continued our exploration of this cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.”

Yileena Park is a small boutique winery in Yarra Glen specialising in aged red wine with a mini-

mum of five years and smoked food products.

Yileena Park manager Scott Coleman said it was a surprise to get the award.

“I only saw the email a couple of weeks ago, and we weren’t even aware we were nominated,” he said.

“We very much appreciate and are thankful that we have had that recognition.”

Yileena Park was started in 1998 as the vineyard was planted by the previous owners who retired a year ago.

Mr Coleman said the goal of the previous owners was to create aged wine, which the current Yileena Park team is happy to continue.

“We’re lucky to be able to inherit that business philosophy,” he said.

“We’ll keep offering our good personal service, a warm and friendly place, and personal connections.”

Monroe’s Burgers and Beers is located on the main street of Healesville, specialising in craft beer and good quality burgers.

Monroe’s Burgers and Beers owner Paul Stephens said his team was pumped to be recognised by the Australian Good Food Guide and its readers. “It’s no secret hospitality is going through a tough period at the moment, so the positive feedback means a lot to everyone and reinforces that all their hard work is appreciated,” he said.

The burger shop has prepared everything fresh and used good ingredients since the beginning. Mr Stephens said there’s no real secret to getting good recognition.

“Weoftengetaskedwhat’soursecret,usuallyby customers who insist they’ve never tasted a burger this good, certain we have some top secret recipe or something, but there’s no real secret,” he said. “Our beef patties are formed by hand from beef that we mince in-house every single day, blending three carefully selected cuts of steak.

“In addition to preparing everything fresh and on-site except for our buns which are baked fresh across the road, we also have an almost endless variety of specials, we create a new burger each week, plus rotate through some of our more popular specials from the paste on our ever-changing secret menu.” Star Mail contacted Healesville Thai Kitchen which is also on the list.

Tokar Estate Restaurant first opened over 20 years ago. (Supplied)

Napoleone Cider and Orchard Bar started the cidery project in the late 2000s.

Yileena Park is a small boutique winery in Yarra Glen.

Spinner’s Souvlaki Bar and Grill was founded in 2018.

Yarra Valley & Croydon Toyota

NEWS Local link to a shipwreck

By Callum Ludwig

The recent historic discovery of the MV Noongah shipwreck off the coast of New South Wales has a link to a local resident of the Upper Yarra.

The news brought back memories for Wesburn resident Marie Pleuger of her father’s best friend Jay Lingard, one of the few survivors of the 1969 sinking.

Ms Pleuger said her father became a merchant seaman after being repatriated during World War Two.

“Conditions post Second World War were not great but the Merchant Seamans Union became one of the strongest unions in Australia until the Abbott years,” she said.

“The Noongah sank and most of the crew drowned with it but what I remember thinking as a young woman of 20 when the Noongah was missing was that if anyone was going to survive, it would be Jay, he was a tough cookie.”

According to the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), the MV Noongah was travelling between Newcastle and Townsville when it sank on 25 August 1969. Of the 26 crew on board, Jay Lingard was one of the only five survivors.

Ms Pleuger said when she next saw Jay Lingard he looked at least 20 years older than he’d looked before.

“The story he told of the sinking was that the steel they’d loaded at Newcastle had been hurried and not loaded correctly and when the storm hit, the load shifted and the Noongah went down,” she said

“Once in the sea, Jay managed to bring two other young crewmen to whatever he was clinging to, he tried to keep their spirits up during the following hours and when it started raining, he quipped ‘As if it isn’t enough to get shipwrecked, we’re gonna get f***ing wet as well.”

“Unfortunately, Jay’s great spirit and desire to help others did not result in both these young men surviving, I seem to remember it was at least twelve hours they were in those stormy Seas but now they have found the Noongah, the crew who died with it and the memory of brave Jay Lingard is revived.”

The CSIRO, assisted by an MUA crew aboard the RV Investigator, successfully found the shipwreck of the 71-metre coastal freighter in June 2024 at a depth of 170 metres in the sea off of Smoky Cape on New South Wales’ Mid-North Coast. Heritage NSW and The Sydney Project have also helped confirm the location with the CSIRO and it’s the second shipwreck discovered by a crew on the RV Investigator following the discovery and mapping of the Blythe Star in April 2023.

Seafarer Bill Cockley, 3rd Engineer Russell Henderson and Jay Lingard, who was a crew mate, have all told the story of the sinking twice, for the Seamen’s Journal in 1969 and the Maritime Worker’s Journal in 2019.

“I had hardly completed tying my life jacket when the ship gave a shudder and then, almost instantaneously, disappeared,” Mr Cockley said.

“I went down with the ship – for what distance I do not know; it seemed an eternity,”

At 3.55am the ship’s captain had radioed for help after losing control in the heavy swell and 110 kph gale-force winds before he made the call to abandon ship at 4.47am with the crew only having 14 minutes to do so before the ship went down.

Russell Henderson was partially thrown from the ladder to the boat deck.

“The ship gave one roll to starboard, hesitated and then went down by the head,” he said.

“I was swirled around below, then broke the surface, I thought ‘You beauty’, then I went down again.”

Bill Cockley surfaced and heard calls from greaser Ken McIntyre to swim over to what he believed to be a life raft, but which was only the cover for one. Jay Lingard then surfaced and drifted over with a plank to the pair. Then they heard calls for help and Ken McIntyre (with no life jacket) swam out and brought back chief cook Thomas Ford. When more calls rang out, Ken McIntyre went out again but never returned.

Russell Henderson surfaced and heard the remaining men and the light from their life jackets and joined them. Tom Cook drifted off and away and was brought back by Russell Henderson and later it happened again, taking the lifeboat cover with him, and he was never seen again.

Dawn broke and the men had grabbed a lid to put under the plank for buoyancy and spotted a search plane, albeit too far away to see them at about 10am. Then in the late afternoon, they spotted a bulk carrier which also did not see them.

After over 12 hours at sea, they spotted the Adelaide Steam bulk carrier Meringa.

“We started yelling and waving our arms,” Bill Cockley said.

“A couple of the crew waved back.”

Life buoys were thrown out and the three men were pulled up to safety and given plenty of brandy, hot soup and blankets. The search team, one of the largest ever efforts searching for survivors in Australia’s maritime history and involving navy and merchant vessels, aircraft, helicopters and shore-based searches, had earlier rescued two other crew members.

Only one body was ever recovered from those who perished and Ken McIntyre was posthumous-

ly awarded a medal for sacrificing himself in his efforts to save others.

The discovery was welcomed by MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin, who described it as an important closing chapter in one of Australia’s most tragic maritime stories.

“It was a terrible night and a dreadful, small ship, the loss of the Noongah is possibly the worst peacetime maritime tragedy in Australian coastal waters,” he said.

“The families are grateful for the knowledge of the ship’s final resting place. It means a lot to them to know their loved ones have not been forgotten and knowing where the ship lies has given them all great comfort,” he said.

Students can name puppies in Guide Dogs campaign

By Dongyun Kwon and Seren Howells

Guide Dogs Victoria is calling on all students and schools across the state to help raise vital funds for individuals living with low vision or blindness and be in with a unique chance of naming the newest litter of puppies.

The latest campaign Puppy Pledge encourages all students across Victoria to take part in a fundraising competition, giving them seven weeks to raise as much money as possible to take home the winning prize of naming Guide Dogs Victoria’s newest additions.

Whether it’s bake sales, casual clothes days or crazy-hair days, students, parents and teachers from any school have until Friday 6 September to secure the top spot, with second and third prizes also on offer.

Guide Dogs Victoria chief executive officer Nicky Long said the Puppy Pledge is a fantastic

opportunity for students to engage in community service and support individuals with low vision or blindness while having fun.

“Puppy Pledge is a new fundraising campaign for guide dogs Victoria, where we’re calling on all school-age children to make a pledge to help us raise and train our dogs to become guide dogs,” she said.

“We’re asking all school-age children to set up a fundraising page via our website and come up with innovative ways to fundraise with their friends.

“We are excited to see the creative fundraising ideas that students will come up with and the positive impact they will make.”

An official award ceremony will be held at the newly constructed Guide Dogs Victoria’s campus in Kew.

The top fundraisers will be honoured for

their outstanding contributions and celebrated for their creativity and dedication to the Puppy Pledge.

“At the end of seven weeks, we’ll look at the top fundraisers, and they will win the opportunity to name a litter of pups as the first prize,” Ms Long said.

“Second prize is to name one pup in another litter, and then third prize is a series of books about a wonderful dog called Mr Walker.”

This is the first time Guide Dogs Victoria to held this campaign.

Ms Long said it is important to ensure the next generation keeps supporting people with blindness and low vision.

“Guide Dogs Victoria has been around for nearly 70 years and we have long-standing supporters who have grown up with guide dogs,” she said.

“We recognise that we need to ensure that the next generation understands what blind and low vision people need, what support services Guide Dogs Victoria delivers.

“Not only will they support our work, but also they’ll make people who are blind and have low vision feel more included in their local community.”

Guide Dogs Victoria invites all Victorian schools to get involved in this impactful campaign.

By participating, schools and students can make a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on guide dogs for independence and mobility.

For more information on how to participate in the Puppy Pledge campaign and to register, please visit the Guide Dogs Victoria website at vic.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/puppypledge/

MUA Newcastle Branch Secretary Glen Williams commended the CSIRO and the MUA crew aboard the Investigator for the discovery and the careful and diligent way in which the news was first shared with Noongah crew members’ families and loved ones.

The MV Noongah. (Australian National Maritime Museum)

The RV Investigator ship which helped find the wreck of the MV Noongah. (CSIRO, Owen Foley)

The CSIRO project team inthe RV Investigator Operations Room examine a reference image of the MV Noongah. (CSIRO, Margot Hind)

The CSIRO project team in the RV Investigator Operations Room conducting a drop camera survey. (CSIRO, Margot Hind)

Fundraiser charges ahead

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Hillcrest CFA fourth lieutenant Rochelle Poulton has raised more than $4000 through collecting old batteries during the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb event.

It all started in 2018 where Ms Poulton and her sister who was also a Hillcrest CFA member at the time, would collect the batteries together, even though her sister left the brigade to move elsewhere, she continued the legacy year after year.

“I’ve always done it because it’s something I strongly believe in,” she said.

For many, collecting old batteries is the last thing they’d want to do, but for Ms Poulton, she’s the first to put up her hand for the challenge.

Collecting old batteries is one of her main fundraisers that she’s always been part of.

Stair Climb raises money for its three foundations which are Triple Zero Foundation, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and Lifeline.

“For me personally, it’s for the mental health, I can’t say I have been touched by the cancer side of things, which I’m very grateful for, but mental health has touched people that I know, especially within emergency services, and it’s really important to raise awareness on it, especially with the work that we do and the things we see from timeto-time,” she said.

“At the start, I’d only collect around 70 batteries and then as every year went on, I just started collecting more and more, and to the point where I just wanted to beat my record every single year,” she said.

“I’d like to raise money for it and help raise awareness around it, every year I try to encourage our members to participate and every year we get more members joining this cause, which is really nice.”

This year, she managed to break her previous records and collected an eye watering five-pointfour tons of used batteries – even she’s amazed at her new records.

The batteries were then recycled with the Norstar Steel Recyclers, a special rate per kilo was paid for everyone in the climb and Ms Poulton managed to raise over $4600 with the used batteries.

She has gathered the community’s trust over the years with her generous time and efforts –and

she has no trouble hunting down them old batteries.

“Facebook is really helpful with finding them, everyone knows me as the person who collects batteries and word gets spread around,” she said.

“A lot of the time, I have people reaching out to

me whom I’ve never met before because they’ve gotten my contact number from someone else to donate their old batteries.”

Ms Poulton is more energised and determined than ever before to raise awareness and funds for a cause that’s close to her heart.

“I would like to beat the record again next year for myself, although I probably will regret saying this because it is a lot of batteries,” she said.

“If anyone does have any batteries, I encourage them to reach out to me, or just go to the scrapyards in general, and just dispose of them safely, to make sure that they’re not a hazard to anyone.”

Ms Poulton said she’s extremely grateful to everyone who helped raise money, whether it’s from donating batteries or donating money.

The Stair Climb is not limited to just Victorian CFA members, but it’s open to all firefighters across the country and even other countries. If you have old and used batteries that you’d like to get rid of, get in touch with Hillcrest fire brigade on Facebook or call Ms Poulton on her mobile, 0472 610 029.

She’s happy to travel to the pickup location as she has done in the previous years.

Rochelle Poulton collected a stunning 4.5 tons (355) of batteries in 2024. (Supplied)

In 2020, she collected 80 batteries.

Preps celebrate 100 days

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Junction Primary School’s Prep students arrived at the school filled with excitement for their 100th day of Prep on Monday 5 August.

Students were set to celebrate the milestone with a day full of fun activities.

Prep teacher Tania Scott said the day is definitely something that they look forward to and mark every day on the calendar in the lead up.

“They get excited for the celebration and we’ve talked about what they’ve learned and what they’ve achieved since they’ve been here,” she said.

“It’s a good thing for parents and encouraging attendance as well and at assembly they’ll be given an award so it’s a good opportunity to bring the community in.”

Students each brought in 100 of an item of their choice to show the class which will not only help with their number sense but also reiterate to them their achievement of marking 100 days into their school journey so far. Some items included pom poms, leaves and ducks.

Ms Scott said they’ve had focuses in English, Maths, specialist subjects and social skills that students have worked on and improved at in the first 100 days of school.

“In phonics, out of the 42 sounds, we’re onto our alternative sounds, so they’re doing really well with that and now they’re decoding, so they’re blending up to ‘CVC’ words and learning the tricky words as well,” she said.

“Number sense for maths, so having a really good understanding of the numbers to 20, and what that could look like and we do sign language, so they’ve learnt about 70 signs so far.

“They’re also immersed in their specialist subjects, so community studies, art, PE and performing arts which they really enjoy and a lot of it is social skills, trying to develop emotional intelligence and just learning how to be kind and work through problems rather than becoming really upset and anxious.”

Students spent time with their school buddies, took part in a search for the numbers up to 100 littered around the school, made a 100-themed crown and fairy bread, counted their 100 things and received their award as part of the day’s festivities.

Ms Scott said they run a very tight ship with lots of routine to help the Preps settle in after starting school.

“When they first come in we do a ‘soft start’, they slowly come into an activity that they want to do, we set up a few different things but they’ve also got student voice to go and find something that they might like to do, it might be a puzzle, it could be coloured in, it could be listening to a story on the iPad and then we start the day and go through the schedule so they know exactly what’s

going on,” she said.

“We do a lot of movement in between breaks, so before I go from spelling to writing we might get up and do a bit of a dance or a movement, we incorporate a lot of movement when we’re learning words and things like that so it’s a bit more engaging,”

“We do a lot of learning outside as well, we might do a writing piece or maths out in the sensory garden, or we might even go out into the asphalt area and we’ve got a yarning space so rather than doing a circle time in the classroom we’ll take them outside and form a yarning circle.”

‘We’re proud of them’: Smooth transition for young ones

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville Primary School Preps marked a significant milestone of 100 days on Friday 2 August.

To celebrate their achievement, the school prepared a special celebration where their families were invited.

Healesville Primary School Prep teacher Esther O’Halloran said two Prep teachers were extremely proud of their students.

“It was fabulous to see them enjoy their accomplishments of being at school for 100 days and to celebrate all of their successes,” she said. Preps arrived at the school with fun costumes.

The day started at the school assembly where the Preps performed a cute performance of a song and received a certificate at the assembly.

After the assembly, the students moved back to their classroom and showed their parents what they’d learnt while having fun activities like biscuit decorating, making crowns and party lunch.

The other Prep teacher Sharyn Borg said the teachers began the school year working hard to establish excellent routines and classroom expectations.

“Developing independence has been a focus,” she said.

“We have taught all of the individual sounds and are now moving on to the digraphs. They can read and write those sounds which is a huge accomplishment.

“In maths, we’ve been doing lots of work on numbers- counting, making, writing and ordering and manipulating collections to 100.”

Ms O’Halloran said teachers are pleased with the transition the children have made

since beginning school.

“It has been smooth and they seem to be happy, and we’re proud of them,” she said.

“We’re pleased with the excellent support we’ve received from our families and our school community.

“It’s lovely to have our preps participate in the wonderful school culture at Healesville Primary School.”

100 days’ celebration for Healesville Primary School Preps. (Dongyun Kwon: 423295)

Elijah (left) and Ruder. (423295)

Paul showing his colouring. (423295)

Preps with teacher Tania Scott celebrated their 100th day of school. (Callum Ludwig: 423275)

100 days brighter with Tahlia. (423275)

L-R: Lilliana with her 100 leaves and Claire with her 100 pom poms. (423275)

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY 2024

The act of remembrance

By Mikayla van Loon

As the commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day approaches, on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, veterans, their families and the community are invited to remember.

This year, the Outer Eastern Melbourne Vietnam Veterans Association will gather outside the Tim Neville Arboretum on Francis Crescent ready to march to the Knox War Memorial on 18 August.

Committee chair Allan Small said while most importantly the day is about remembrance, the purpose extends beyond that to “keep the harmony and the welfare going”.

“Let’s remember those that we left behind and those that have passed on since and look after yourselves, but also more importantly, think of the families, the children, of friends, or relatives or those who are not here in our community,” he said.

“We’re not here to glorify war, that’s not what we’re about. It’s about remembering our comrades who were with us then, some are still here but not many, unfortunately.”

Mr Small said for many of the servicemen who didn’t come home from Vietnam, their families were the ones who have had to live with “nothing except the memory” of them, making days of remembrance all the more important.

He said this too goes beyond just Vietnam’s servicemen and the invitation hopes to bring all veterans and families from every conflict together, to honour a loved one, to place a poppy at base of each plaque or to just stand in reflection.

National serviceman Bob Farquhar said bringing veterans together on days like Vietnam Veterans Day, allows connections, conversation and that welfare check to happen naturally because of a common thread of experience.

“As we’re ageing and people are having health issues and need support, we tend to group to-

gether,” he said.

“Even people that want to talk about issues, sometimes they feel like talking to people from their own era with similar experiences, they talk about things they might not have even talked with their family about because they don’t really have to explain what it was like or what they went through.

“We’ve all got the same experiences, listening to the same music. We grew up as baby boomers, and that sort of thing. So we’ve got common life experiences as well.”

Beginning the morning with the marching procession, Mr Small said everyone will then gather at the memorial, welcomed by the sombre sounds of the Knox School’s string ensemble, who will play from the minute the service starts at 10.30am. The school’s choir will also sing throughout the service, an important aspect of the day, Mr Small said. “I’m always interested in bringing the children in to give them a bit of a look-see at what goes on and making them feel involved because I think it might help us in the future,” he said.

Each year the Vietnam veterans associations

from across Victoria gather in their smaller communities to host a service to commemorate. In the outer east, it moves from year to year to ensure each community and RSL sub-branch is able to share the commemorations locally. This service is a joint initiative between the Outer Eastern Melbourne Vietnam Veterans Association and the Yarra Valley RSL Sub-branches of Croydon, Healesville, Lilydale, Mt Evelyn, Upper Yarra, Warburton and Yarra Glen and the Outer Eastern and Yarra Valley Sub-branch, National Servicemen’s Association.

Vietnam Veterans Day will be commemorated at the Knox War Memorial on Sunday 18 August.

(Stewart Chambers: 419804)

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson and Outer Eastern Melbourne committee chair Allan Small invite everyone to join them. (419804)

Vietnam’s veterans Tony Zammit, Daryl Bristowe and Aff Binnoore. (419804)

NEWS Lily leading league list

By Dongyun Kwon

A Coldstream junior footballer has put her name on top of the goal-kicking list, overwhelming all boys in the same league.

Lily Polkinghorne, a 12-year-old girl at 159 centimetre tall from St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Lilydale, has played full forward and ruck for the Coldstream Junior Football Club (JFC) U12 team this season.

The 12-year-old girl is not scared of playing against boys, rather, she takes it as a good experience where she can build good skills.

She officially kicked 29 goals and kicked the most goals out of 255 players in the Easter Football Netball League U12-D section.

Polkinghorne said she is proud to be a girl in games where mainly boys play.

“We have three girls in our team, most teams in our competition don’t have any,” she said.

“I won the top goal kicker by six goals, and my first game for the season, where I kicked five goals, was not counted as it was a scratch match due to the other team forfeiting.”

Despite the brilliant performance by Polkinghorne over the season, her team ended in sixth place on the ladder and couldn’t make it to the finals.

Coldstream JFC U12 Team coach Leam Doughty said he is extremely proud of Polkinghorne’s achievement throughout the season.

“She is our key forward, she does extremely good marks, she’s very good with her bodywork, and she’s a beautiful kick of the ball,” he said.

“She’s one of our captains. Her leadership is fantastic, and her training is really good.

“She kicked seven goals in one of our games.”

The junior footballer started playing footy at five years old, and she has always kicked the footy outside with her dad.

Her dad and she, the Pies supporters, also spend a lot of time watching and yelling at AFL on the TV.

“My favourite players for the Pies are Mason Cox and Dan McStay, and last year, Coldstream JFC purchased me a footy jumper with Mason’s number, 46,” Polkinghorne said.

“They both play ruck and full forward, and that is the reason why I like two positions.

“Game day on Sundays is my favourite day of the week.”

Polkinghorne joined Coldstream JFC prior to Covid, but could not initially play because of the lockdowns.

She has played for the club since the lockdowns ended.

The junior footballer said her parents wanted her to join Coldstream as it’s an old club with a lot of history and tradition.

“I was happy to go there as my friends were also going to play at the club,” Polkinghorne said.

Polkinghorne said the club has lots of fun outside of game days that not only players but also their families can enjoy together.

“Since joining, what I love the most is how the club is focused not just on the kids and players but as a family and community,” she said.

“The club and parents are awesome and friendly to all the kids and with each other, and we do things like parents versus kids match at the end of the season as well as other fun events during the season, it’s a real club feeling.

“My teammates are good at football too, which allows me to do well in the forward line.”

Coldstream JFC has gifted her with many good memories.

Last year, the club entered its juniors into a mini-match at Marvel Stadium where the juniors played at half time.

The top goal kicker said kicking seven goals in a match against Lysterfield is another good memory.

“Everyone made a big deal of me, which felt different and weird with me getting all this attention,” Polkinghorne said.

“My Mum and Dad told me seven goals is a massive deal, and I said to them, ‘Yeah, but I couldn’t kick the goals without my teammates getting the ball to me.’

“That’s what I love about the game.”

The junior footballer recently played her 50th game on 19 July with two of her mates.

Polkinghorne said it was great running through the banner with the two mates.

“I kicked two goals at that match but also gave a kick at goal to my mate. I wanted him to kick a goal too for his 50th game,” she said.

“That’s what being in a team is about, and our coaches teach us that.

“Last season, I won runner-up Best and Fairest, and one of my best friends won the Best and Fairest. That was an awesome moment to share with my mate.”

Taiwan-bound to represent her country

By Dongyun Kwon

Melbourne Gun Club (MGC) has born one more shooter representing Australia.

MGC committee member Elizabeth Schroeter has been selected for the team Australia by Shooting Australia for the ISSF Grand Prix in Taipei in September.

Schroeter said she would like to enjoy her first international competition.

“My goal of the competition would be to win hopefully, but to get experience and do my best ability to represent Australia,” she said.

“I’m very honoured and proud to represent my country.”

It didn’t take a long time for her to get good shooting skills.

She started to get into the sport in 2018 through one of her friends.

“When I first met him, it was in 2018 and I just watched the Commonwealth Games,” Schroeter said.

“I’d always watch the trap shooting in the Olympics or the Commonwealth Games, and I mentioned to him that I found it very interesting and I’d love to try it out but I don’t know how I’d get into the sport.

“He asked me to come over to the MGC.” She’s been training a couple of days a week for a few hours of shooting sessions and has also been competing in competitions mostly Saturdays to feel the pressure of the competition.

“I’ll do different clay target disciplines as well because every type of shooting you do makes sure overall a better shooter,” Schroeter said.

“Exposure to competition makes you mentally tougher because once you have mastered the technical side of shooting, and you’ve got

the gun that fits you, the rest is the mental part.”

Schroeter joined the MGC in July 2018 and has been interested in helping the club run by volunteers.

She served the club as a secretary for three years and is now a committee member.

The shooter said shooting is a sport that people from all walks of life can enjoy.

“One of the other reasons I did get into it is because I’ve had spinal surgery,” Schroeter said.

“I used to do a lot of active sports but due to my spinal surgery, I was looking for a sport that I could do without putting a strain on my back.

“People from all ages with all abilities can participate in this sport.”

Polkinghorne is now walking towards her bigger dream.

She wants to be a professional footballer and also wants to inspire other girls who want to play football, but think they can’t.

She said it’s good to have something you love doing and are good at as your job.

“I want girls to know they can go for anything they want to in life,” she said.

“I want AFL Women’s to be more recognised, respected and paid more, so this can be a real fulltime job for them.”

Although Polkinghorne enjoys playing for Coldstream, she will probably have to leave the club as she can only play in the boys or mixed competition until the end of U14 because of the league rule.

Polkinghorne said she would love to stay playing for the club.

“I am really hoping that we could get enough girls to join Coldstream JFC,” she said.

“A lot of families in the area choose to go to bigger clubs with new and fancy clubrooms, but I know I won’t find the same kind of atmosphere at a big club.”

Unlucky shots

By Dongyun Kwon

Two Olympians from Melbourne Gun Club couldn’t bring a medal back to the Yarra Valley although they did their best at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Mitch Iles participated in the Men’s Trap and finished the first three rounds on Monday 29 July in 13th place with 72/75.

The next day, he didn’t miss any shots and added 50 points, but, unfortunately, he couldn’t make it to the final, finishing in 9th place with 122 points.

Meanwhile, qualification in the Women’s Trap also began on Tuesday 30 July.

Catherine Skinner, the Rio gold medalist, participated in the event and finished the first three rounds in 17th place with a score of 69/75.

Skinner tried hard to come back the next day but ended her Paris Olympic journey in 17th place with a score of 116/125.

Although Skinner was unable to advance to the final, her teammate Penny Smith flew the Aussie flag in Paris as she won the bronze medal at the same competition.

Catherine Skinner ended her Paris Olympics journey in 17th place. (File: 419297)

Elizabeth Schroeter will represent Australia at the ISSF Grand Prix in Taipei in September. (Supplied)

Lily Polkinghorne kicking a ball. (Supplied)

Birrarung Riverfest is back

The Birrarung Riverfest is back after its successful inaugural event last year, bringing over 30 events on the banks of the river from Warburton to West Gate Park at this year’s edition.

The Birrarung Riverfest is a three-week-long celebration of the Yarra, Birrarung River, from Sunday 1 September to World River’s Day on Sunday 22 September, 2024.

Presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), the festival aims to celebrate, raise awareness and connect our community to Country and each other, through the entire length (242km) of the Birrarung.

After the success of the inaugural festival in 2023, this year’s Riverfest program boasts over 30 community-led events and activities, from platypus spotting at dusk, cultural walks and birding by ear, to canoe cleanups and sunset jazz at Ponyfish island.

“Whether you like arts and music, history and culture, or nature and storytelling, there really is something for everyone at Riverfest,” YRKA president Janet Bolitho said.

”We are delighted to have over 24 organisations and hundreds of individuals helping to host events this year.”

YRKA have partnered with the Yarra Strategic Plan collaboration (Burndap Birrarung, burndap umarkoo) and Regen Melbourne to

bring Riverfest to life. The festival will celebrate and acknowledge the river’s Traditional Custodians, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples and hopes to highlight the interconnectedness of the Birrarung; one single living entity, cared

Queens Park under repair after heavy rainfall

By Dongyun Kwon

Queens Park in Healesville is under repairs due to the high rainfall across the Yarra Ranges in July.

As a flood plain, the parkland stores water during heavy rains, which has caused the need for repairs.

Yarra Ranges Council built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp said the council’s teams are working to restore Queens Park and its playground, following heavy rainfall.

“The park, like many in Yarra Ranges, is built on a floodplain and is part of the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO), as is River Street and surrounding areas near the Watts River,” he said.

“This means there isn’t much we can do to avoid flooding when we experience heavy rainfall, as these areas take on excess water when adjacent rivers and creeks break their banks.

“However, the Queens Park Playspace was built-up with rockwork to mitigate the impact of flooding when it was constructed.”

To ensure safety, Yarra Ranges Council has put up temporary fencing around the affected area while completing the works.

The council aims to finish the repairs within four to five weeks, weather permitting.

“We’re expecting works to be completed soon and have not seen major damage from the floodwaters,” Mr Philipp said.

“We’d like to thank the community for their patience as we navigate works, following one of the wettest Julys on record.”

for by many.

Keystone events hosted by YRKA include a Sunday River Cruise with speakers sharing their love letters to the Birrarung, and a closing event on World Rivers Day at Federation Square, cel-

ebrating the river’s ‘Past, Present and Future’, hosted by radio personality and comedian, Sammy J. Riverfest will open on Father’s Day on 1 September with a Little Explorers event at Studley Park Boathouse. Activities for children continue through the three weeks, including City Nippers (a riverside rendition of the beloved beach-based kids program) and The Great Yarra Colouring Class with pigments sourced from the river corridor.

Almost every event will be free, with donations from attendees encouraged.

“The donations and funding from these events will help unlock capacity and resources for Yarra Riverkeeper Association to continue their essential work caring for the River,” Ms Bolitho said. YRKA Operations Manager Carina Watson said the Birrarung catchment is responsible for 70 per cent of our drinking water and is absolutely vital to our social and economic wellbeing. when you get close to the river, or you get more involved, your appreciation for how wonderful it is grows,” she said.

“I hope attendees come away with a renewed appreciation for how special it is to have such a beautiful, natural feature in our city, and all the life and biodiversity that it supports.”

Queens Park, Healesville will be back in four or five weeks. (Dongyun Kwon: 422455)

Events will be held along the river from the city centre to the Outer East.

The Birrarung Riverfest event is returning for 2024. (Supplied)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Future of the Yarra River

By Seren Howells

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has turned its focus to the future of the Yarra River, with the exhibition ‘Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts For 2070’ set to be on display later this month.

It has brought together eight leading Australian landscape architects, asking them to reimagine the lands and waters of the Birrarung (Yarra River) from the city centre, the eastern suburbs and through to the Yarra Ranges.

Bush Projects, a landscape architectural studio involved in the exhibition, explored the Upper Yarra catchment, between Healesville and Woori Yallock.

Their vision suggested the Upper Yarra catchment area be established as a biodiversity protection zone only to be accessed by Traditional Custodians and the River Rangers whose role it will be to protect the environment.

Bush Projects Design Director Sarah Hicks said by situating the conversation in 2070, it was a way of really getting people to open their minds to what might be possible and also what might be necessary for the river.

“Our proposal looked into how this floodplain could be restored back to a swampy riparian complex of different ecologies, be returned to the public as an asset that would be healed over time and have sanctuary zones as breeding grounds for different species, as well as publicly accessible passages within it,” she said.

This exhibition asked Bush Projects to look into the future and how the river may have changed by the year 2070, what the area around it will look like and what will need to be done to maintain and increase the health of the Birrarung.

This meant considering changes such as the changing climate and how agriculture and farming practices may evolve.

“We’re also speculating about how agriculture is going to change in the future in terms of practices where smaller farms will become less viable and there’ll be other systems of creating products such as synthetic production of meat or dairy, which is a likely scenario or at least imaginable scenario,” Ms Hicks said

Bush Projects’ vision also shows ways to increase the animal life around and in the Birrarung river as well as the quality of water which has decreased significantly over time.

“Then the concept was that by restoring this landscape and introducing the cycles of inundation of environmental flooding, that replicate its seasonal flows so that it could form something of a seed bank that then washes down and filters to the lower reaches of the catchment over time,” Ms

Hicks said

“Because it’s higher up in the catchment, the good flows down and improves that whole broader system as well so we’ve really got to start at the top, it’s not the very top, but it is also a very agriculturally intensive area.”

Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 will be displayed at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV in Fed Square from 23 August 2024 to 2 February 2025.

“Well, it would be great if, from the exhibition as a whole, people can perhaps think of ways that they might want to engage with their waterways and for the community in the Upper Yarra,” Ms Hicks said

“It’s not just the Birrarung or the Yarra River, but it’s also those small attachments such as the Woori Yallock Creek and Watts Creek [River] and how all these systems are interconnected and any action is meaningful.”

The Birrarung Council said ‘Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 provides a forum for exploring ideas from a range of different perspectives, stimulating thinking about the

future of the Birrarung. The Birrarung Council encourages the dialogue and thinking this exhibition opens, marking a step in our journey of shared stewardship to collectively shape and advocate for the Birrarung.’

Other studios will take part in this exhibition with other ideas for the future of the Birrarung river, with some of their exhibitions exploring:

Aspect Studios’s cinematic display imagined if the Eastern Freeway was removed and expansive parklands took its place.

McGregor Coxall proposed a timeline where decision-making regarding the river is guided by data-based research, cultural knowledge and environmental conditions.

Office will premiere a new video that questions the use of the Birrarung for private and public use like golf courses, viticulture and farming.

Openwork envisions a moment in the governance of Greater Melbourne that sees the Birrarung catchment area form an autonomous territory where key infrastructure within the catchment boundary be repurposed for use by humans, plants and animals.

Through a series of postcards from the future, Realm Studios invites the audience to imagine a city where land is given back to the Birrarung, and historic buildings become the site of aquaculture while autonomous robots help care for the landscape.

SBLA is displaying a map made by layered photographs gathered over many months, showing Birrarung’s present condition and possible future interventions.

TCL is offering a glimpse into the future revealing that the way we live with Birrarung can either defend or destroy the landscape far below the surface.

Director of NGV Tony Ellwood AM said this important exhibition of landscape architecture represents an important step in the pursuit of preserving the life, memory, and future of Birrarung.

“Through the presentation of thought-provoking and real-world possibilities, the exhibition asks audiences to consider what we want for the future of the Birrarung, as well as what this river, as a living entity, wants for itself,” he said.

Long-time friends unite for August exhibition

By Seren Howells

The Warburton Waterwheel is currently displaying the work of local artists and friends, Jenny Davis and Jerry Osadczuk, within the gallery.

Both contemporary landscapes and surrealism show The Wizardry of Oz in Osadczuk’s works on display this August while Jenny Davis’s exhibit of abstract colours and textures is inspired by abandoned buildings and underground spaces.

With different textures and mediums, Osadczuk communicates the wild landscapes and the unusual in his paintings.

Artist Jerry Osadczuk said this exhibition sort of follows on from what he does all the time, but he included quite a bit of his surrealist and abstract work as well.

“I don’t have any real things in mind when I start painting it’s kind of like I just start to put paint on canvas or on the MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), I do both, and see whatever starts developing.” He said

“I’ll be doing like four or five paintings at the same time because a lot of my stuff is done on the ground in my garage.”

Jenni Davis expresses her art, called Wallmatter and Rustmatter, with abstract colour and concrete textured pieces inspired by the underground.

Her works explore derelict and abandoned buildings and she has drawn much of her inspiration from her time in France where she explored these sights.

Artist Jenny Davis said the concrete pieces are connected to an abandoned apartment block she saw in Paris.

“That kept coming into my head because there was also old torn clothing amongst of all the ruins and there were signs saying they were tearing down apartments for the needy,” she said.

Jenny is also interested in decay and renewal which she has expressed in her art on display and in her other works.

“I’m into decay and renewal and all that, and I buried fabrics underground for months at a time,” Ms Davis said.

Both artists have come together for this exhibition after being friends for many years, they are finally displaying their art side by side in this joint exhibition.

“With Jenny’s pure abstract, and I’ve kind of got some abstract stuff going into a little bit of landscape stuff and weirder stuff, but I think we both like textures and that’s where we get our more vibrance and depth,” Mr Osadczuk said.

This exhibition will be open daily from 10am to 4pm until the end of August, with free admission, in the Warburton Waterwheel gallery.

L-R: Jerry Osadczuk and Jenny Davis. (Stewart Chambers: 422722)

Bush Projects focused on the Upper Yarra catchment area for the exhibition. (Supplied)The exhibition will open on 23 August and run until February next year.

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Dental health a top priority

For many, the thought of a dentist appointment brings an unwelcome sense of anxiety. The idea of dental visits is often clouded by memories of discomfort or pain.

But what if visiting the dentist could be a positive, even enjoyable, experience? At Valley Dental, that is exactly what they strive to offer patients.

Nestled in the heart of Lilydale, Valley Dental has become synonymous with friendly, highquality dental care. Their team understands the importance of making each visit as comfortable and stress- free as possible. They believe that caring for your teeth and gums shouldn’t be something to fear, but rather a key component of your overall well-being. Our teeth play an essential role in our daily lives—they help us eat, speak clearly, and they’re central to our smiles and facial structure. But more than that, our oral health is closely connected to our general health. The mouth is, after all, the gateway to the rest of our body. This is why maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups is so important.

Unfortunately, issues like tooth decay and gum disease remain common. Yet, the good news is that these conditions are almost entirely preventable. With simple daily habits—like brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, reducing your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and seeing your dental professionals regularly—you can greatly reduce the risk of these problems.

Valley Dental are here to support you in every step of your oral health journey. Their goal is to help you keep your teeth for life, ensuring that your smile remains as bright and beautiful as ever.

This Dental Health Week, we invite you to take charge of your dental health. Make an appointment with Valley Dental for a check-up and clean, and experience firsthand why so many in our community trust Valley Dental with their smiles. After all, your dental health is their top priority, and they’re here to make sure it’s in the best possible hands. Come see the

Greenery can help: Study

Living in areas with shorter distances to greenspace and lower crime rates are associated with having fewer modifiable dementia risk factors, Monash University-led research has found.

Published in Preventive Medicine Reports, the Australian study investigated neighbourhood characteristics associated with dementia risk and cognition.

It found a doubling of distance to greenspace was equal to being about 2.5 years older, in terms of dementia risk factors. Each twofold increase in crime was approximately equal to a reduction in memory score attributable to a three-year increase in age.

This relationship was particularly evident in those living in areas of lower socioeconomic status (SES).

The greenspace aspect included people across Australia, while the crime aspect only

looked at Victoria where that data was readily available.

Senior author Associate Professor Matthew Pase, of the Monash University School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, said earlier research had already shown that dementia disproportionately affected the disadvantaged.

“In 2022 we observed that individuals residing in lower SES areas had more dementia risk factors and worse memory performance,”

Associate Professor Pase said. “Such findings motivated us to explore the specific neighbourhood characteristics associated with dementia risk and cognition.”

Associate Professor Pase said the new research encompassed some of the strongest modifiable dementia risk factors including high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity.

Valley Dental team this Dental Health Week. (Supplied)

Living with adult children

Legal matters

Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre

Due to the current increasing cost of living and the housing crisis in Victoria, more adult children are moving back in with their parents to save money, find their financial footing or have somewhere to live.

“A Finder survey of 1,073 respondents revealed one in 10 (10 per cent) Australians – equivalent to 662,000 households – have either moved back home with their parents or had an adult child return home in the past year,” the research reads.

The research can be found at finder.com.au/ news/boomerang-generation-2023

A shared living arrangement can have great benefits for all involved, but it can also create some challenges and put a strain on the relationship.

When considering the pros and cons of this new arrangement, it is important to try and stay objective before you enter into any new agreement.

While it may seem feasible for your family at first, this arrangement does not always work out

the way it should.

Planning ahead can help to avoid breakdown in the arrangement or relationships.

Here are a few practical things to consider before agreeing to share your home with your adult children:

Relationships and wellbeing – this includes setting expectations of any arrangements including boundaries, for example who will be providing care for young children who might also be moving in, how household chores will be shared,

what if the property needs to be sold.

Be prepared to have difficult conversations –it is easier to get this out of the way beforehand than to unpack an arrangement that might have gone wrong.

It is also extremely helpful to think about how you will manage any unanticipated disputes that might arise.

Financial considerations – this could include anything from household expenses, how to protect your own finances, whether there is any fi-

nancial contribution in exchange for the accommodation and/or care and potential impact on Centrelink entitlements).

Legal considerations – this could include documenting the terms of your living arrangement in writing and getting legal advice about any money being exchanged as part of the arrangement. It is important to remember that shared living and care arrangements may not always be in everyone’s best interests, especially if someone has more power in the relationship than others.

It could also increase the risk of someone misusing their power or being abusive.

Before agreeing for your adult children to move back into your home, it is very important to get your own independent advice about your individual situation.

This includes legal advice.

This resource by Seniors Rights Victoria - ‘Care For Your Assets’ can be a good place to start: seniorsrights.org.au/resources/info-sheets/carefor-your-assets/

If you have any concerns about these types of arrangements for yourself or someone else, please call Eastern Community Legal Centre on 1300 32 52 00 (1300 ECLC 00).

You can also email ECLC at eclc@eclc.org.au or use the online application form: eclc.org.au/ help to arrange for an appointment.

If you are interested in a free information session to explore this topic further for your group or community, please contact Anita Koochew on 1300 32 52 00.

Tiny but mighty tale of a cheeky small brown dog

By Christine Yunn-Yu Sun

Runt, the multi-award-winning children’s book by Craig Silvey, is set in the fictional country town of Upson Downs. It tells the story of 11-year-old Annie, whose best and only friend is a rescued stray dog named Runt.

Annie lives with her family on a draught-affected sheep farm.

Money is tight and water is scarce, and many in their community have been forced to sell their properties and move away.

Worried the same fate will befall her family, Annie sets out to enter Runt in the Agility Course Grand Championship at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London.

Trouble is, Runt only obeys Annie’s commands if nobody else is watching.

Worse, a fellow competitor named Fergus Fink will do everything in his power to take Annie and Runt out of the race.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Not to mention the family can hardly afford a trip to London, especially with the land baron Earl Robert-Barron greedily eyeing their farm.

That is a lot of pressure on a little girl. Fortunately, Annie is fully supported by her family and community, and she has all the love and loyalty from Runt.

As one of the characters in the book explains

to the girl:

“He chose you. And you chose him. That’s why you’re such a brilliant team. As far as Runt is concerned, nobody else matters. Just you. You are his whole world. And he runs and leaps and plays with you because he’s happy. That’s how he shows you his joy and his gratitude. For him, it’s something just for the two of you to share. It’s not for anyone else.”

Runt is all about being true to yourself and respecting other people’s rights to walk their own paths.

It is also about family and friendship, kindness and optimism, teamwork and community support, and persistence and perseverance in pursuing one’s goal.

More importantly, it is about the Australian spirit of mateship and equality even in the most dire of circumstances.

This is a heart-warming story that makes you laugh out loud while bringing tears to your eyes.

The writing is humorous and clever, show-

casing what Silvey describes as “the twangs of language, the dry wit, the understatements, the vary particular rhythm of speech” that are characteristics of our beloved Australian English. The wordplay is smart and entertaining, perfectly suitable for reading out loud.

For example: “The small brown dog was sneaky and cheeky and infamous. He was a source of irritation and consternation and exasperation. Run was as slippery as an eel and cunning as a fox. He could dart like a rabbit, bounce like a gazelle and climb like a monkey. He was spry and agile and clever... Runt would dodge and weave and feint. He would leap over cars, crawl under fences and scale walls with ease.”

You don’t have to be a “dog person” to enjoy this wonderful story, with delightful illustrations created by renowned artist Sara Acton.

The book’s film adaption is set to release in Australian cinemas in September. Highly recommended.

Trap will ensnare your mind

Trap

Starring Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue and Alison Pill M 4.5/5

Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Trap is a taut psychological thriller about keeping up appearances.

Cooper (Josh Hartnett), who is secretly the serial killer The Butcher, brings his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a pop concert, but it turns out the whole concert is an elaborate trap to catch him.

Hartnett is chilling as Cooper, shifting effortlessly from an affable dad mask to Cooper’s deceptive, dead-eyed true self. Shyamalan draws clever parallels between Cooper faking normal emotion and parents acting happy for their kids’ benefit; Marnie McPhail has an amusing small role as a rival parent who, ironically, behaves crazier than the actual psychopath.

It’s fascinating and even grimly funny to watch Cooper trick and evade his captors, camouflaging himself within their operation.

As the trap tightens around him, Cooper’s wits keep the police – and us – on our toes, and the gripping final act (which has an astounding performance from Alison Pill as Cooper’s wife) delivers a string of shocking curveballs, but not to the

point of exhausting the viewer.

M. Night’s eldest daughter Saleka plays fictional pop star Lady Raven, and composed fourteen new songs for the film.

Saleka is compelling in both the dramatic scenes and musical performances, and even if Saleka/Raven’s pop isn’t your thing, Riley’s enthusiasm throughout the concert is infectious.

Trap reaffirms M. Night’s talent for suspenseful small-scale scenarios, and we need to retire the notion that M. Night is an inconsistent filmmaker; The Happening and After Earth are still awful, but over the past 10 years, he’s had far more winners than duds.

A superbly-acted and cleverly-written thriller, Trap is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

A shared living arrangement can create some challenges and put a strain on the relationship. (Unsplash)

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Seville Splash Park upgrade

Temporary fencing is up at Seville Splash Park as works have begun to replace the flooring.

The new flooring is set to create a more interactive and enjoyable space for everyone and will also be perfect for year-round fun.

Yarra Ranges Council anticipates the works are set to be completed just in time for the season-opening in September.

OPINION

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road service lane works

The service lane in front of 1355 HealesvilleKoo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock is slated for the week commencing Monday 5 August 2024.

Works will be completed by Yarra Ranges Council’s contractor Prestige Civil Group, between 8am and 4pm.

Yarra Ranges Council advise that whilst every care will be taken to ensure works are completed during the specified period, circumstances beyond theircontrol (including inclement weather, plant and equipment break downs) may require the program to be altered.

One lane closed at the time of works where applicable.

Emergency access will be available

Delays will be kept to a minimum to a maximum of 15 minutes.

3G switch-off reminder

The Australian Small Business and Family

Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is calling for small, family and farming businesses to urgently make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in the next few weeks.

Telstra will switch off its 3G network on 31 August and Optus from 1 September. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network.

“We need to improve the awareness of 3G use embedded in business equipment and technology well beyond the obvious example of mobile phones,” he said.

“The 3G switch-off could affect EFTPOS terminals, security systems and cameras, tablets, smart watches, vending machines and even swipe pads at car parking stations.”

Last chance to enrol for Council elections

Eligible residents and ratepayers are being urged to enrol to vote for the upcoming Victorian local council elections before it’s too late, with enrolment closing at 4pm Wednesday 7 August.

Australian citizens who have recently turned

18 or changed address can enrol or update their state enrolment details at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment

There are also additional enrolment categories for ratepayers, including non-Australian citizens who are not already on the State roll for that council. People in these categories should contact their local council for more information. Further information on enrolment is available by calling 131 832 or at vec.vic.gov.au, where voters can also sign up to the free VoterAlert service to receive important election reminders by SMS and email.

Free workshop Floristry

Basics

A free workshop Floristry Basics will be held between 10am to 12pm on Sunday 11 August at Senior Citizens Hall located on 18 Green Street, Healesville.

Join the workshop to learn flower arranging with a focus on sustainability presented by Sally Smith.

Save your spot by emailing healesvillecg@ gmail.com or messaging to Healesville Community Garden’s Facebook page by 8 August.

Poetry is always enjoyable

By Maria Millers

Do you suffer from metrophobia, a condition that sadly inflicts many people?

This is an unusual phobia that encompasses an irrational aversion and fear of poetry.

Maybe, it dates back to lacklustre school experiences where poetry was something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

Or perhaps not seeing in poetry anything relevant to your everyday experiences.

Poetry has for long suffered from being seen as something far removed from the daily lives and concerns of ordinary people and delivered in language and form that is alien to most.

Many only think of poetry as flowery descriptions of nature or sweetly coined phrases of romantic love.

August is Poetry Month so perhaps an opportunity to reconsider.

Many poets have also been some the most vital activists throughout history.

Mankind’s oldest surviving manuscript is from the Geometric period (900-700BC).

An epic poem about the demigod and Sumerian king, Gilgamesh, that circulated from Mesopotamia, Europe all the way to Asia.

For many centuries stories and culture were mostly passed on through oral poetry.

Today poetry comes to us in various guises: written, spoken, sung and rapped.

Collections of poetry are still published, poetry features in literary journals but increasingly online platforms like websites and blogs play a bigger role.

Social media, podcasts and YouTube too are bringing poetry to a broader audience.

Still the question of what is poetry persists?

Coleridge’s famous line: Poetry: the best words

WOORILLA WORDS

in the best order is a good starting point.

And poetry is all about breaking protocol. I suppose that’s what is meant by poetic license.

The word ‘poetry’ comes to us from the Greek work ‘poiesis’ which means ‘making, capturing the essence of poetry as a creative process.

Writing a poem is shaping language into the best way of saying something.

There is no subject that is unavailable to poetry: nature, love (in all its forms), war, hope and despair.

All the best and worst aspects of human nature.

And strict form has taken a back seat.

Rhythm, rhyme and metre aided memory in a less literate world and though still tools used by poets are not necessarily what shapes a great poem.

In Australia, there is no official national Poet Laureate.

The Poet Laureate position typically involves writing poetry for significant national events and promoting the value of poetry in society.

A poem to kick off a Grand Final?

In 1999, then-Prime Minister John Howard asked renowned poet and perhaps de facto Poet Laureate, Les Murray to write a draft preamble for

the Australian Constitution.

This initiative was part of a broader effort to update the Constitution and recognize Australia’s history and values, including acknowledgment of Indigenous Australians.

It never got off the ground with some critics saying it was insufficient in addressing the historical and ongoing issues faced by Indigenous communities.

The current Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom is Simon Armitage.

Armitage is, known for his accessible and engaging poetry that often explores contemporary themes and issues.

In the following excerpt he writes about a man who in Australia we would probably call‘ a good bloke’ but who has a dark controlling and violent side.

And if it snowed and snow covered the drive/ he took a spade and tossed it to one side./ And always tucked his daughter up at night /And slippered her the one time that she lied./ And every week he tipped up half his wage./ And what he didn’t spend each week he saved.

And praised his wife for every meal she made./ And once, for laughing, punched her in the face.

Poetry has always been a vehicle for political comment in poems and song lyrics.

The late Bruce Dawe wrote bluntly and powerfully about the tragedy and futility of war particularly focusing on Australian soldiers returning from the Vietnam War.

All day, day after day, they’re bringing them home,/they’re picking them up, those they can find, and bringing them home,/they’re bringing them in, piled on the hulls of Grants, in trucks, in convoys,/they’re zipping them up in green plastic bags,/they’re tagging them now in Saigon,

Sarah Holland Batt writes from her very personal experiences in navigating Aged Care during her father’s fight with Parkinsons.in her award winning book, The Jaguar.

In the following excerpt from The Boat she delves into her family history and tackles displacement, exile and the refugee experience of loss, hope and resilience.

There’s a way a boat divides the sea,/thin prow parting waves clean as paper./I think of my grandmother, adrift/in a refugee boat on the Baltic,/ And then she goes on, they lived in that boat, four families/burned from the East Prussian coast,/and through winter they drank snowmelt,/clotted and dirt-laced, from the tarped hold.

There have lately been a growing number of voices of indigenous poets exploring their reality. EllenVan Neerven, is one of many who uses their work to address issues related to Indigenous identity and experiences in contemporary Australia: Give me back my language,/let me speak in my own tongue/I have words locked in my throat. And it seems that poetry is as valid a method of interrogating the universe as any other form.

One merit of poetry few persons would deny is it says more and in fewer words than prose.

But more so, these contemporary poets bring a sense of hope, beauty, and lyrical elegance to their work, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the natural world.

So put aside your metrophobia and pick up a book of poetry.

A reminder: We are now at the halfway point for entries to The Woorilla Poetry prize. Visit woorilla.org.au

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Quandary (7)

5 Dead body (7)

9 Demolition (11)

10 Bolt or pin (3)

11 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)

12 Apotheosis (7)

14 Island of Hawaii (4)

15 Personal items (10)

17 Dwarf (10)

19 Occurring before (abbr) (4)

20 Sink (coll) (7)

22 New Delhi native (6)

25 The Peacock Network (1,1,1)

26 Reciprocal (11)

28 Died (7)

29 Potentially guilty party (7)

DOWN

1 Prank (US coll) (4)

2 Languor (9)

3 Festival, – Gras (5)

4 Group of islands (11)

5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)

6 Jogging (7)

7 White person (5)

8 Disruptive (10)

12 Efficiency increasers (11)

13 Significance (10)

16 Account of events (9)

18 Princess Diana’s maiden name (7)

21 Summary (5)

23 Ties (5)

24 Flesh (4)

27 Dowel (3)

No. 197 No. 197

DRESS CIRCLE LOCALE

DRESS CIRCLE LOCALE AND A NEW POOL

THIS stellar property with impressive new swimming pool and entertaining area is ideally positioned on sought-after Glenfern Road. Known for its character-filled homes and convenient proximity to shopping, schools, Upwey train station, Burinja Cultural Centre and Wellington Road, this tightly held pocket offers an outstanding lifestyle.

This impressive brick residence blends modern comfort and period style to perfection. The generous lounge at the front of the home boasts a corbel archway entry, ornate mantle wood fire, ceiling roses, plush carpet, and a bright bay window. The open plan family room, dining area, and kitchen with wainscotting, timber floors, Westinghouse oven, Bellini dishwasher, and gas cooktop occupies the

rear of the residence to adjoin with the deck and to offer easy access to the pool and private under-house double garage. The bedrooms are also refined and relaxing. The privately situated main bedroom features an elegant ensuite and walk-in robe. The family bedrooms with built-in robes reside at the rear of the home, including one with vaulted ceilings and charming window seat. The luxurious bathroom is a highlight with a double sink floating vanity, rain shower, and soaking tub.

Additional highlights include gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling, a laundry with stone flooring, salt chlorination system for the pool, abundant off-street parking, level lawn area, and lovely outlooks.

HOME FOCUS

13 MAGIC ACRES WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS

INDULGE in the epitome of quality, comfort, and style with this meticulously designed property, offering a lifestyle of sophistication and serenity. Standing proudly on 13 acres, this custom designed and craftsman built stone home captures panoramic views and stunning sunrises over Kurth Kiln, Bunyip State Park and beyond, creating a picturesque backdrop for your everyday life. Ideally situated between Emerald and Monbulk townships, this home provides easy access to the awardwinning wineries of the Yarra Valley.

Indulge with luxurious living throughout with 9 ft ceilings, Sydney Bluegum flooring, zoned refrigerated cooling/heating and four generous living/dining zones. Quality Axminster carpet, leadlight windows and doors, imported French stone tiling, double hung windows, French doors, open fireplace with antique mantle plus another log fire surrounded by Coldstream stone adding a touch of elegance. The master room is a sanctuary with stunning views, his and hers walk-in robes, and a relaxing large spa bath – a perfect retreat at the end of the day. The stylish Smith and Smith kitchen features granite benchtops, integrated Asko dishwasher and ilive oven and provides seamless integration to spacious family living zones and alfresco outdoor dining. The large wrap around verandas set the scene for total relaxation plus absolute serenity is assured down by the fish stocked dam complete with wood fire BBQ, jetty and picnic area. The rose-lined driveway sets the stage for the picturesque journey to your dream home which is surrounded by seven thoughtfully separated paddocks. There is also a huge 11 x 10m custom built American Style barn, expansive fpur car garage including workshop, separate hay and tractor storage, chook pen, dog run, wood storage and two top of the range horse stables, hot/cold wash bay, cattle yards and ramp. Catering to the equestrian enthusiast within you there is easy access to the Pony Club grounds and many riding trails begin at your doorstep.

For those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with sealed road access surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, a thriving veggie patch and fruit orchard – we welcome you to embark on a journey of timeless elegance and country charm. For your own private viewing please contact us today.

HOME FOCUS

COUNTRY COTTAGE VIBE WITH BIG BLOCK

WELCOME to this charming rural property nestled in the serene surroundings of Kinglake.

Set on a generous land size of 2216 m2 this three bedroom, two bathroom home offers the perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its spacious interior, modern amenities, and picturesque setting, this property presents an ideal opportunity for buyers looking to enjoy the tranquillity of country living.

Step inside to discover a beautifully appointed interior, featuring hybrid engineered floorboards that combine style with durability. The spacious living areas are bathed in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.

The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, including a 600mm oven and electric hot plate, making it the perfect space for culinary enthusiasts to showcase their skills.

Downstairs, the bedrooms feature builtin robes, providing ample storage space for your belongings, while the main bathroom offers convenience with its 900mm shower and single vanity. Other features include reverse cycle air conditioning system and full

insulation throughout added comfort and functionality. Additionally, a spring water bore ensures a sustainable water supply for the property, adding to its self-sufficiency and appeal.

As you approach the property, you’ll be greeted by the expansive land size, fully fenced to provide privacy and security for you and your family. The original shed, approximately 12.2m x 7.7m in size with high 3.7m clearance, offers ample storage space and potential for various uses, with its high ceilings adding to its versatility. The surrounding landscape boasts scenic views of the rural countryside, providing a serene backdrop for outdoor relaxation and entertaining.

Offering a perfect blend of rural charm and modern comfort, this property in Kinglake is sure to impress. With its spacious land size, versatile shed, and well-appointed interior, this home provides the ideal sanctuary for those looking to escape the city and embrace a slower pace of life.

Whether you’re relaxing on the outdoor patio, tending to the garden, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, this property offers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Don’t miss your chance to make this idyllic retreat yours today.

HOME FOCUS

A MASTERPIECE OF STYLE AND SPACE

DISCOVER the epitome of luxury living in this custom-built home, tucked away in a serene location right in the heart of town. With meticulous attention to detail and high-quality finishes throughout, every aspect of this residence exudes elegance and comfort.

Step inside to be greeted by the warmth of hardwood timber floors, soaring 10’ ceilings, casement and double hung windows, feature leadlight and beautifully sculpted cornices. The formal living area beckons with a feature fireplace, perfect for cosy gatherings with loved ones.

Entertaining is a delight in the expansive family/meals area where a solid fuel fire invites relaxed enjoyment. This area connects seamlessly to a state-of-the-art Smith and Smith granite kitchen, where culinary adventures await. Boasting a Beling stove, glass splashbacks dishwasher and a vast array of storage, you will delight in the views on offer as you whip up a storm. French doors lead out to a spacious deck adorned with a covered gazebo, creating the ideal setting for memorable family gatherings. Unwind in the covered outdoor swim/spa area, surrounded by the tranquillity of the lush 7889m2 of established gardens.

There are four bedrooms, the master suite, complete with a luxurious ensuite boasting double vanity, double shower and the latest fittings, offering a sanctuary of relaxation whilst the main bathroom also displays top of the range fittings. An open study will cater for the student or a work from home situation.

Year-round comfort is assured with hydronic heating, a solid fuel fire, and a split system, while a remote double garage and separate colorbond garage provide ample space for vehicles and storage, with the shed doubling as a workshop or man cave. A paddocked area will cater to a four legged friend.

Security and privacy are paramount, with remote gates ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make this private sanctuary your own. Contact us today to schedule a viewing and experience luxury living at its finest.

LUXURY LIVING ON FIVE PRIVATE ACRES

IF acreage, privacy and off the grid luxury living is what you’re after, then look no further than this modern beauty, set amongst native bushland and wildlife.

Bright and spacious family home featuring high ceilings, four great sized bedrooms, master with stunning ensuite and walk in robe, and additional three bedrooms all with walk in robes. Two large separate family living zones allowing space for a growing family, and a well appointed kitchen with a butler’s pantry and gorgeous white cabinets. Adjoining the kitchen, you’ll find the dining area with direct access to the large covered and fenced outdoor alfresco entertaining, where many a BBQ or celebration awaits!

There’s so much space for the kids, or pets alike, to wander around and enjoy the great outdoors, perhaps build a cubby or play chasey, or to simply sit back and relax whilst breathing in the fresh country air.

Additionally, there is an enormous machinery shed with ample storage space and attached covered carport, plus a mezzanine area ideal for weekend guests or teenager retreat.

The home is completely off grid, with solar panels, batteries, generator, two water tanks, crackling wood fire, double glazed windows and much more.

Also a double carport, shipping container storage/ woodshed, chicken coop, and vegetable garden all complementing this amazing lifestyle opportunity.

Your new, semi-rural escape away from the hustle and bustle of city life will let you enjoy a lifestyle change brimming with peace, nature and complete privacy. All only a short distance from local facilities in Woori Yallock and Launching Place, positioned in the delightful area of Hoddles Creek with vineyards, hobby farms - the best of country living.

LuxuryLivingon aVeryPrivate 5Acres(approx.)

Brightandspaciousfamilyhomefeaturinghighceilings,4 greatsizedbedrooms,masterwithstunning ensuiteandwalkinrobe,andadditional 3bedroomsallwithwalkinrobes.Twolargeseparatefamily livingzonesallowingspacefor agrowingfamily,and awellappointedkitchenwith abutler’spantry andgorgeouswhitecabinets.Adjoiningthekitchen,you’llfindthediningareawithdirectaccess tothelargecoveredandfencedoutdooralfrescoentertaining.Additionally,thereisanenormous machineryshedwithamplestoragespaceandattachedcoveredcarport.Thehomeiscompletely offgrid,withsolarpanels,batteries,generator,2 watertanks,cracklingwoodfire,doubleglazed windowsandmuchmore!Yournewsemiruralescapeawayfromthehustleandbustleofcitylife.All only ashortdistancefromlocalfacilitiesinWooriYallock &LaunchingPlace.

JalaThompson M 0400063055 Inspection: Tues4:00-4:30pm

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

CaptivatingViewsandSpaciousLiving

Boastingpanoramicviewsthatwilltakeyourbreathaway,enjoyspaciouslivingwhilsttakinginthe mesmerizingviewsfromyourfrontdeck.Fourgenerouslysizedbedroomsincludinga mastersuitewith adouble-sizedshowerandamplestorage.Versatilelivingwithmultiplelounges,perfectforfamily gatheringsorhomeoffice.Privateentertainingareawith awoodheaterandwood-firedpizzaoven, surroundedbyfruittreesandveggiepatches.Convenientlocationclosetopublictransport,schools, medicalfacilities,andlocalamenities.Perfectlypositionedfornatureenthusiastsandfamiliesalike, withtheWarburtontrailjustmomentsawayforleisurelywalksandwildlifesightings.Whetheryou seek apeacefulretreator aspacioussanctuaryforentertaining,thishomepromisestoexceedyour expectations 26AlpineBoulevard,LaunchingPlace

CountryCharmwithFamilySpace

Nestledina quiet,quaint,countrytownandsurroundedbygloriousmountainrangesthisunique propertyofferssomethinga littledifferent.Thehomeoffers 3bedroomsandboastsallthewarmth andcharmoftheearlydaysgonebywithhighceilings,decorativecorniceandbeautiful floorboardscreating acosyhomelyambiencethroughout.Spaciousfamily/loungeareawitha woodheaterandsplitsystemplus aseparatemealsareaanda goodsizekitchenwithplentyof benchandcupboardspace.Ventureoutsidetoexplorethesurroundingswithestablished,terraced gardensand agreatsizerearyardwiththeLittleYarraattherear.Anaddedbonusof aseparate studio/bungalowidealfortheolderteenagersordependentrelativesorevena workfromhome office.A greatpropertyofferingplentyofoptionsandpotential.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320

CharmingFamilyHomeclosetotown Boastinggreatspace,convenienceandeasycarelivingforthegrowingfamily,ina quietand picturesquelocationclosetoallfacilities.Offering 4bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesandwith3 separatebathroomsincludinganensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom.A flexiblefloorplan withfamilyspaceinmindandconvenientlyspreadover 2levels,multiplelivingareaswithseparate lounge/livingandfamilyroomsofferthegrowingorextendedfamilyamplespacetospread out.Beautifulkitchenloadsofbenchandcupboardspacewithqualityappliancesandfittings throughout,outsideofferslowmaintenanceestablishedgardensanda lockupgarage.A superb familyhomeconvenientlysituatedjust ashortstrolltoYarraJunctionsbusyshoppingprecinct,local schools,transportandtheYarraCentre.

ENVIABLE ENTERTAINER WITH VERSATILITY

WITH precision, this peaceful and privately situated property feels surrounded by Myanook Bushland Reserve it blends indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly to create the ultimate retreat. Geared for entertaining and growing families, this generous home and half-acre landscape will evolve to mirror your requirements through the years.

Internally, this residence will impress with its series of sunlit spaces. New owners will enjoy gatherings in the generous lounge and open plan meals area, family room, and kitchen with Miele appliances. The rumpus room with quality carpet and cosy wood fire is an exceptional bonus that spills out to the enviable entertaining area with covered and open decking featuring both outdoor heating and remote cafe blinds, firepit area, and terraced upper lawn. With 4 beautifully appointed bedrooms with plush carpet, including the main bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, plus a stylish bathroom with soaking tub, this dwelling has all the elements of a forever family home.

Furthermore, there is immense versatility here that will suit any lifestyle. In addition to a double carport and abundant off-street parking, there is double garage currently set up as a workshop/gym that can be designed to cater to your way of life.

Ideally positioned within the charming hamlet of Selby that offers easy access to Belgrave township and train station, this property captures the essence of the peaceful and picturesque Hills lifestyle. Inspection will impress. Plan your viewing today.

SuzieBrannelly

Sad for footy, but netball...

By David Ball

YarraGlentravelledtoAlexandrawheretheground conditions were good and the weather fine.

Alex started the game dominating centre clearances and giving their forwards plenty of opportunities.

Some inaccurate kicking kept the River Pigs in the game as the visitors starting to break even around the ground.

With plenty of run from Tom Williams and Sam Wood, Yarra Glen were able to get right back in the game, kicking four late goals to be just eight points down at quarter time.

The Rebels came out firing in the second, running in waves as they got well on top around the ground.

In contrast to the first quarter, Alex kicked nine goals straight as even their miskicks were ending up as goals.

Yarra Glen struggled to win possessions and when they did, poor decision making and kicking saw numerous turnovers.

At half time, Alex was 62 points up.

As in previous games, the River Pigs played out the second half with a depleted bench.

They showed great fight in the third to keep Alex to three goals while adding one of their own.

As Yarra got tired in the last, Alex were able to continue with their run and carry game and added another seven goals to see the final scores, Yarra Glen 5.3 to Alexandra 24.10.

Best for Yarra Glen were Ky Hawkins, Chris Beattie, Tom Sullivan, Sam Wood, Kenny Barden and Oscar Grenfell. Goalkickers, Josh Hawkins three, Sean Sanderson and Richard Gurney

The Yarra Glen reserves were able to get a full team onto the ground despite a number of last minute illnesses depleting their ranks.

With Alexandra only a few spots ahead of them ontheladder,theRiverPigscouldsensethechance

to notch up their second win for the season.

In a very competitive first quarter, Yarra Glen had plenty of the play with Will Duff and Anthony Delaney setting up a number of scoring opportunities.

Sadly they failed to convert and at quarter time trailed by 11 points.

This trend continued in the second as Alex added two goals to Yarra Glen’s one.

In the third quarter, Yarra Glen lifted with a great goal from Dylan McGaffin in his first game after breaking his leg in the first practice session of the season.

Maf Laloulu kicked his first goal as Yarra Glen outplayed and outscored Alexandra to be just five points down at the last break.

In a tense battle throughout the last quarter,

Yarra Glen goaled late in the quarter to take a one point lead.

With only seconds on the clock, Alex was awarded a dubious free kick on the wing.

Unfortunately, Yarra Glen’s complaining saw a 25 metre penalty paid as the siren sounded.

A kick after the siren from 45 metres out sailed through to give Alex a five point win, Yarra Glen 5.9 to Alexandra 6.8

Best for Yarra Glen were Tom Matthews, Will Duff, Anthony Delaney, Charlie Berry, Dylan McGaffin and Taylor Bryans. Goalkickers, Josh Dick two, Anthony Delaney, Dylan McGaffin and Maf Laloulu.

Yarra Glen A grade netball travelled to Alexandra and started strongly bouncing out to a 19 to 8 lead at quarter time.

Much improved conditions and scores

By Ron Hottes

The Monday V.V.V’s:

Once again, there was no comp as only four ladies played. This is, in part, due to five of the regular players being away at this time. Also, no results were available to this scribe, as to how those four hardy souls scored.

Wednesday 31 July, Stableford:

After a bitterly cold morning seriously affected the early birds, most of the 36-size field enjoyed cloudless skies and very calm conditions. Making the most of these much-improved conditions was Matthew Maloney, who posted a solid 37 points. This was the best form that Matt has displayed for some time, so genuine congratulations to you, M.M. The runner-up prize was taken home

by Tex Van Der Kooi, who also showed great improvement, with his 34-point result. Balls only extended to 33, as there were plenty on 34 or 33.

Finally, this day saw four NTPs taken home by the lucky winners listed here. Dave Hatt grabbed one on the 3rd and Allan ‘Old-Man-River’ Hubbard snared the one on offer on the very tough 5th. On the 9th, Ron Wilson hit a lovely tee shot and finally, Your Loyal Scribe hit a rare pleasing tee shot on the challenging 12th.The 15th had the bragging rights over the whole field on this day again.

Saturday 3 August, Stroke and Monthly Medal:

A medal day always provides some interesting results and seems to bring out the best in some of the club’s members. One of those members, who is fairly new to the club is Dale Sund. He posted a result that overcame all others, by recording a

fine Nett 67, which also netted him the August Medal and the A-Grade voucher. Good shooting, Dale. Troy Murphy was the runner-up in this Grade, returning a Nett 68, and the ball rundown here stretched to Nett 71. In B-Grade, it is very pleasing to report that one of the popular Ladies ( yes, folks, a V.V.V.) posted the best score. Georgie Houniet’s Nett 68 bettered the rest of this field by 2. Well done, Queen Saffron. Rod Kempton came in with a Nett 70, good enough for him to take home the runner-up voucher (Big brother will have noted your success, Rodney). The ball rundown reached down to Nett 73. The NTPs on this day went home with Ryan Wilson (3rd), Michael Pinkster (9th), David Hatt (12th) and Ashleigh Hall (15th).

With a full list of players they maintained their energy and extended their lead to 17 at half time.

The second half saw the Yarra girls continue to dominate, with Alana McGurgan continuing to create from the centre as Lara Wandin Collins and Maddy Hargrave converting everything up forward.

Yarra Glen ran out convincing winners, 65 to 25.

Best players were Lara Wandin Collins, Kim Williams and Alalna McGurgan.

The B grade netballers started their game strongly to be 15 goals ahead by quarter time.

The Yarra girls were clean with their ball handling and didn’t give the Alex girls a look in as they continued to dominate throughout the game.

In a very consistent four quarter effort, Yarra Glen ran out easy winners, finishing off Alex 75 to 13.

Best players were Courtney Cochrane, Jasmin Wood and Ella Brown.

The undefeated Yarra Glen C Grade netballers took on lowly placed Alexandra and showed no mercy as they leapt to 18 to 3 at quarter time.

The balance of the game saw a very solid and even performance across the court as Yarra Glen went on to win 78 to 15.

Best players were Natasha Bennett, Riley Shanks and Sarah Orlandi.

Yarra Glen D Grade came up against the second placed Alexandra and started very competitively to be just 3 goals down at quarter time.

A very young and quick Alexandra were proving to be hard to stop. They were able to force just enough turnovers to continue to outscore Yarra Glen in each of the last three quarters.

The final scors Yarra Glen 24 losing to Alexandra 35. Best players were ruby Bennett, Steph Gibbs and Annie Dietrich.

Next week Yarra Glen celebrate a Pink Lady Day at home against the strong Warburton Millrgove teams.

Jackpot!

By Anita Prowse

Last weekend saw Doongala ARC’s Dressage Jackpot in some inclement weather. Jackpot winners were:

· Adv.-Barbara Chapman on Jaybee Artizan from Peninsula RC

· Level 1-Mariah Kamanski on Linton Streer from Moorooduc RC

· Level 2-Kelly Dietrich on QS Chaska from Western Port RC

· Level 3A-Melissa Wheeler on Hollands Bens Formidable from Shadmoor RC

· Level 3B-Samantha Barton on Renaissance Contenda from Biddlesdon Park RC

· Level 4A-Mikayla Randall on Bloomfield Vantaigo from Lysterfield RC

· Level 5-Wendy Parris on Miss Money Penny from Granite Rock RC

Well done to everyone who braved the rain and cold.

In stark contrast, Upper Yarra Pony Club held their Riders Without Horses rally on Sunday in gorgeous sunshine, with some balancing and strengthening exercises that are really easy for everyone to do at home, and help core and leg muscles build up, to enhance the ability to hold balance in different situations. Exercise balls or drums work well to practice anytime.

Happy Riding everyone.

Yarra Glen footy teams took it on the chin. (File: 283158)

Warburton

Wins round up home game

By Alex Woods

The Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club hosted their last home game against Powelltown and Thornton-Eildon on Saturday for the Women’s Footy.

The morning started with D Grade netball, the team started strong with a 23-4 lead at halftime. The second half was the same with the final score being 42-8. Sienna Muir scored 17 goals, Brooke de Pedro scored 13, and Holly Cole scored 12. Sienna Muir, Brooke de Pedro and Layla Ata were the top performers for the match. The team currently sit fourth on the ladder with one match to go.

The Women’s footy ran out wearing pink for breast cancer awareness in honour of one of their teammates, Nicole Lumsden, and all of those affected in some way. Nicole also ran out for her first match after her diagnosis. This game was also the last game for the Women’s Footy before hitting finals next weekend. The team had a solid start, kicking 5.6 to T/E 1 goal, in the first half. They continued with their strength and momentum and came home with a win 10.16-76 to 3.018. Emerson Woods kicked 3 goals, and Jasmine Enever and Madi Ward both secured 2 goals each. Maddi Andueza, Nicole Lumsden and Sally McIntosh all grabbed one each. Emerson Woods, Sally McIntosh, Lilian Pagels, Tamika Ferguson, Natasha Atwell and Nicole Lumsden were the top performers. The team finished third on the ladder and will take on Officer in an Elimination Final on Saturday.

C Grade also had a great start, with a 29-7 halftime score. They carried on the game the same way it started, leaving Powelltown to only secure another 5 goals, and grabbing another 27 for themselves. The final score was 56-12, with Ashlyn Hermansen shooting 36 goals, Mel Hancock with 18 and Courtney Lever with 2. Top performers were Cam Partel, Courtney Lever and Stephanie White. The team is currently third on the ladder.

B Grade finished off the netball for the day. Powelltown had a 3-goal lead at the first break and also at the halftime break. They managed to switch the game going into the second half and secured a 6-goal lead at 3-quarter time. They carried the game in the last term and got the win 47-33. Tayla Ferguson shot 21 goals, Alex Woods with 18 and Zoe Timoney with 8. Chelsea Barnard, Tayla Ferguson and Gabrielle Woods were top performers. The team currently sits fourth on the ladder. Reserves also had a strong game in the first half, 11.10-76 and Powelltown’s 1 point. The team had a mega second half, securing another 100 points to Powelltown’s 1. They secured they

Wandin suffers close loss

A top of the table clash provided the Wandin faithful something to get excited about on Saturday afternoon at Clegg road.

A Veterans’ premiership reunion and the possibility of some quality football meant that the game was played in front of a solid crowd and the contest did not disappoint.

Wandin controlled much of the first half with speed they were able to put on the ball testing Narre’s defence and only some ill-discipline from the home side resulting in goals meaning the margin wasn’t more than the four-goal Wandin halftime lead.

But from there, Narre was able to slow the game, Jesse Davies becoming influential both in the ruck and in the air around the ground and their precise ball movement began to affect the contest. Wandins ill-discipline in the first half and inaccuracy (1 goal 8 behinds) in the second helped Narre salute to the tune of 13 points. Final score Wandin 12.11, 83 defeated by Narre Warren 14.12, 96.

Top Dogs on the day were Chayce Black, Damien Furey, Clinton Johnson, Aaron Mullett, Todd Garner and Brodie Atkins. Other results:

· Reserves: Wandin 9.11, 65 defeated by Narre

Warren 11.5, 71. Top Dogs were Tyson Smith, Charlie Wood, Hunter Coghlan, Harry Mitchell, Alistair Gray and Zachary Drysdale.

· Under 19s: Wandin 1.2, 8 defeated by Narre Warren 15.25, 115. Top Dogs were Bailey Yelland, Branden Farr, Luca Van Dreumel, Jack Van Dreumel, Joshua Atkins and Nicholas Pike.

· Women’s: Wandin 9.9, 63 defeated Monbulk 3.7, 25. Top Dogs were Natasha Vassallo, Orla Murray, Kristen Kelly, Jade Bennett, Maddy Bennett and Jessica Bennett.

· A Grade Netball: Wandin 47 defeated by Narre Warren 59. Top Dogs were Ruby Tidd, Ava Upton and Kyah Kimpton.

· B Grade: Wandin 47 defeated by Narre Warren 54. Top Dogs were Annie Brown, Madeline Seeley and Liana Baker.

· C Grade: Wandin 35 defeated by Narre Warren 40. Top Dogs were Bianca Zoric, Marlee Smart and Aimee Mackenzie.

· D Grade: Wandin 16 defeated by Narre Warren 31. Top Dogs were Kiara Semos, Kristy Foot and Grace Leggett.

· 17 and Under: Wandin 32 defeated Narre Warren 31. Top Dogs were Annie Brown, Sophie Papadopoulos and Summer Tuppenney.

secured the win with a final score of 26.22-178 to 0.2-2. Ash Taylor had a big game kicking 7 goals, Damien Egan secured 5, and Marcel Kocher with 4. Tyler Bert, Nate Lucas, and Matt Sidari all grabbed 2 each and Liam Barnard, Brayden Ferguson, Caelen Flynn and Jamie Nelson all got 1 each. The Reserves are sitting fourth on the ladder with one game to go.

Seniors took the field and finished off the day. 7.9-51 to 0.3-3 was the quarter-time score, and the second quarter was much the same, heading into the halftime break with a lead of 88 points. They came out for a big second half, grabbing another 6 goals and 3 behinds in the third and then

another 12 goals and 4 behind in the last. They secured the win by a massive 199 points, with the final score being 32.21-213 to 1.8-14. Bailey Humphrey kicked 8 goals, Liam Westlake with 6, and Trent Elliott grabbed 3 goals also. Tom Baker, Jack Farrugia, Lachy Hewitt and Tim McKail all grabbed 2 each. Tom Barr, James Iacono, Jack Lee, Dylan Walker, Harry Rothwell, Hudson Semple and Josh Sharp all grabbed 1 each, too. Top performers were Bailey Humphrey, Brayden Woolridge, Liam Westlake, Thomas Baker, Trent Elliott and Josh Sharp. The senior boys are sitting third on the ladder, currently. Yarra Glen next week for the last game in the Home and Away Season.

Woori Yallock surges

By Brendan Donovan

Back to perfect conditions as Woori Yallock took on Berwick Springs away from home.

The under-18 side had a well-earned break.

The Senior Women’s team locked away a top-two finish after a tough win at Emerald, the girls have been playing some good footy and will be very confident going into the final series.

Final score Emerald 3.5, 23 defeated by Woori Yallock 4.6, 30. Top Tigers were Isla Schroder, Casey Wright, Sky Wilson, Anelise McCracken, Emelia Robin and India James.

The netballers had a great day coming away with four strong wins on Saturday, the B and D sides continue their drive to finals while the A and C teams played some slick minutes at the weekend.

· A Grade: Berwick Springs 29 defeated by Woori Yallock 77. No best players selected.

· B Grade: Berwick Springs 44 defeated by Woori Yallock 92. No best players selected.

· C Grade: Berwick Springs 22 defeated by Woori Yallock 40. No best players selected.

· D Grade: Berwick Springs 29 defeated by Woori Yallock 49. No best players selected.

· 17 and Under: Berwick 25 defeated Woori Yallock 24. Top Tigers were Georgia Sands, Oliver Stenhouse and Charlotte Comport.

· Under 15s: Berwick 23 defeated Woori Yallock 22. Top Tigers were Charlotte Lower, Ayla Spencer and Mia Lingwood.

The Ressies got another win on the weekend, a strong even game by the boys kept their slim chances of finals alive.

Final scores Berwick Springs 6.4, 40 defeated by Woori Yallock 12.5, 77. Top Tigers were Ryley Dare, Marcus Baxter, Ronan Taylor, Hamish Gemmill, Sam Carlton and Matthew Imbrogno.

For the senior boys, they relished the big dry ground and hit the game running with a 9-goal to 1 first quarter which got the deal done.

From quarter time there were little passages where their concentration dropped but

overall it was a good step forward into the last month of footy.

Final scores Berwick Springs 6.7, 43 defeated by Woori Yallock 18.14, 122. Top Tigers were Taylor Gibson, Mitchell Arnold, Bailey Syswerda, Benjamin Monkhorst, Archie Spencer and Jordan Williams.

This week, Woori Yallock hosts Mt Evelyn who are in good form as they celebrate the amazing 1984 reunions of the Seniors, Reserves, Under 17 and Under 15 teams.

Demi Barber in full flight. (Adam Sykes)

Wandin was unable to win at home over Narre Warren. (File)

Warburton-Millgrove won all of their last home games. (Supplied)

Healesville seniors shine

By Sarah Bailey

Healesville Women Firsts 5 – 4 Monbulk Rangers

Healesville ladies kept the dream of a league title alive with a 5-4 win at home vs Monbulk.

Caroline scoring a much-needed goal at the end of the first half to leave the score at 1-1.

Healesville then took control with four unanswered goals.

Then in a mad last eight minutes Monbulk put a little fear into the home side scoring three quick goals.

The ladies march on.

Healesville Firsts 2 - 2 Dandenong Red Fury Phoenix

A strong opening from Healesville was dampened by a strange offside ruling.

Things almost got worse for Healesville as DRF were awarded a penalty, but the spot kick was put wide. Daniel T put Healesville 2-0 in front but missed chances from the home side came back to bite.

A goal on the stroke of half-time gave renewed confidence to DRF.

A second goal looked likely from the away side, and it came with 15 minutes left to play.

Healesville responded but Daniel T hit the cross bar and James O hit the post.

The game finished two goals each.

Healesville Reserves 7 - 3 Blackburn New Hope Fifths

Healesville started strongly and took an early 2-0 lead with both goals coming from John-James.

The home side took their foot off the pedal and two sloppy goals conceded saw the teams go into the break at 2-2.

A spray from Coach (and keeper) Nick C saw Healesville come out with purpose and a five goal second half display, with two more goals from John-James and one each for Jonny H, Lindsay M and a first for the club from Joe M meant Healesville finished with a comfortable 7-3 score line.

U13s 0 - 2 Berwick United Healesville took on a Berwick side that last time around dominated from start to finish.

This is how the first 10 minutes of this game would play out and it looked like it would be a long day for the home side.

Berwick took a deserved lead, but this seemed to spur the Reds on.

A missed penalty and a great chance that missed the target would, and should, have seen Healesville going into the break on level terms.

Healesville found an even higher gear in the second half but couldn’t quite make their dominance pay.

With one final push for an equaliser, Healesville left themselves short at the back and a last-minute Berwick goal would seal the win for the away side.

An injured Manny W was excellent in goal and

This week the Under 10 Ninjas faced the very evenly matched BCSC Spirit at home.

Milos K lead the team will with great vision across the back line, partnered with Archie B who was again strong in the contest, cutting off many forward plays by the opposition.

The forward combination of Jacob V, Noah S and Leroy P had shades of Barcelona’s Messi, Suarez and Neymar, with deft passing creating chances for the team.

The Ninjas kept their noses in front all day for 5-3 win.

Healesville U12 Rangers 0 – 6 Healesville Heelers

It was Healesville Rangers vs Healesville Heelers at home.

Heelers were impressed with the Rangers strong defences and struggled to get an early goal, but persistent attacks began to pay off with powerful strikes from Cooper (2), MVP Bodie (1), Mack (2) and a ripper from Jesse in the closing minutes. Final result 0-6, with some excellent teamwork from both teams.

Healesville Hearts U13 Girls 1 – 2 Waverley FC The Hearts travelled to Waverley to face the second on the ladder team who were much bigger and physical. Not to be outdone, the Hearts fought valiantly all day and had the better of the possession and chances, but for the second week in a row couldn’t quite get the reward they deserved on the score sheet. Stella C scored her first game for the season. Isla H was a rockstar in defence as always. Ava H and Georgia C battled hard all day in the midfield.

Hard games against Seville puts all sides to the test

By Anne-Marie Ebbels

The A grade netball faced Seville who had beaten them by 48 goals last time they met.

Seville got out to a fast start in the first quarter to go into the first break with a nine-goal lead.

Healesville worked hard in the second quarter and held Seville to a 11-goal lead at half time. The Healesville players came out hard in the third quarter to dominate the scoring and earning turnovers to whittle the Seville lead to a single goal at the three quarter time to set up a tense final quarter.

Healesville couldn’t hold the momentum in the final quarter and Seville took the lead back out to 11 goals at the final whistle for the win. It was a terrific game and showed how much the Healesville team has improved over the season.

In the B Grade game Seville dominated the game from start to finish. Seville went into half time with an 18-goal lead and came out in the third quarter and quickly piled on 22 goals while limiting Healesville opportunities to score.

Seville continued to hit the scoreboard while Healesville made the most of their opportunities in the final quarter.

Seville were big winners by 46 goals.

In a much-improved performance from the previous week, C Grade still struggled to make an impact on the scoreboard with Seville getting out to a 11-goal lead at quarter time.

Seville continued to dominate the game and were winners by 32 goals.

The U18s took on Seville and kept Seville scoreless in the first half to go into the half time break with a 71-point lead.

Seville got onto the scoreboard in the third quarter, but Healesville continued to pepper the goals with Bailey Rutley kicking nine goals for the game.

Healesville were big winners by 137 points.

The women played their final home and away game against Upwey-Tecoma.

Healesville went into the first break with a 10-point lead after keeping Upwey-Tecoma scoreless in the first quarter.

In an even second quarter, both teams scored one goal with healesville lead reduced to 9 points at half time. Healesville held their nerve in the second half to increase the final margin to 19 points.

The women commence their finals cam-

paign next week.

The Reserves Men’s game was another nail biter with Healesville getting off to a good start with some straight kicking to go into the first break with a 10-point lead.

Seville hit back in the second quarter to re-

duce Healesville’s lead to 2 points at half time.

Seville didn’t make the most of their opportunities in the third quarter with some wayward kicking for goal. Seville were up by one point at three-quarter time.

In a tight final quarter healesville accuracy in front of goal was the difference in the end with the Bloods winning by two points.

In the final game of the day, Seville got out to fast start against Healesville in the Senior Men’s game to go into the first break with 23-point lead.

In a tighter second quarter, neither team took their chances in front of goal and Seville increased their lead to 30 points at half time.

Healesville came out firing after half-time but couldn’t make any inroads into the Seville lead who went into the final break with a 37-point lead.

Healesville won the final quarter, but it was a little too late with Seville winning by 28 points.

This weekend Healesville head up to Yea for the netball and Men’s football.

The women play their first final against Pakenham at Seville and the U18s head to Olinda for a Friday night game.

Football

Senior Women Healesville 33 defeated UpweyTecoma 14 Best: P Pavic, P Stock, I Stock, A Mende, L Mathieson and C Wilsmore

Senior Men Healesville 44 defeated by Seville 72 Best: C Warren, S Donkin, L Daly, N Mende, J Savage and M Jones

Reserves Men Healesville 50 defeated Seville

48 Best: M Evans, M Renouf, D Sissins, P Jones, R Ashby and J Parish

U18 Healesville 143 defeated Seville 6 Best J Ferris, A Biddiscombe, H Burchmore, B Rutley and K Barclay

Netball

· A Grade Healesville 50 defeated by Seville 61 Best: J Harris, H Blackney and B Erickson

B Grade Healesville 25 defeated by Seville 71 Best: C Bouma, A McMaster and G Milgate

· C Grade Healesville 10 defeated by Seville 42 Best: K Bromilow, C Wild and L Boundy

Healesville’s Luke Chandler kicking out of defence. (Kylie Rowe)

Healesville

Ryder H, Cooper W and Iggy C had great games. Healesville U10 Ninjas 5 – 3 Bewick Spirit

Healesville U10 Ninjas and their biggest fans. (Supplied)

They are successful in local business... but what do our Tip-Stars know about Footy? Follow them every week and give them the feedback they deserve...